Snowflake Breathing

What you need

• a paper snowflake or a small square of tissue paper
• a cushion

How to do it

1. Sit together on a cushion and hold the paper snowflake on your flat hand.
2. Breathe in slowly through your nose, then blow out very gently so the snowflake wobbles but stays on.
3. Let your toddler try on their own hand: smell the flowers, then blow the snowflake softly.
4. Do three slow breaths together, then let the snowflake float down to the floor with one big blow.

Why it matters

Blowing softly takes a slow, long breath, and a slow breath out helps a busy body calm down.

What they're learning

Slow breathing

A long, gentle breath out is something they can use when feelings get big.

Blowing

Controlling how hard they blow works the muscles they use for talking.

Settling

Slow breaths and a quiet voice help them wind down.

What to look for

Watch for their shoulders dropping and their breathing slowing after a few goes.

A tip

To make a quick snowflake, fold a square of paper twice and snip a few small shapes from the edges. Keep scissors well away from little hands.

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