DIY Creative Stress-Relief Crafts for Children: Deep Breathing Stick
Deep breathing is an incredible coping strategy that kids (and adults) can use anywhere at any time to regulate their emotions; they don’t need anything other than their own bodies to use this skill. However, it can be tricky for children to master the technique of proper diaphragmatic breathing (aka deep breathing). You can use this fun craft to teach your child how to use deep breathing as an effective coping strategy. As your child continues to use the deep breathing popsicle stick as a practice tool, they’ll become a pro at implementing deep breathing into their daily lives.
How to Create a Deep Breathing Stick
Deep Breathing Stick Supplies:
Paper or cardstock
Your child's favorite coloring utensils
Popsicle Stick
Glue
Scissors
Directions:
On one piece of paper or cardstock, have your child draw and color a picture of their favorite flower.
On another piece of paper or cardstock, have your child draw and color a picture of a candle stick or birthday candle.
Use scissors to cut out both pictures.
Glue the flower to the top front side of the popsicle stick.
Glue the candle to the top back side of the popsicle stick.
Miss Jordan’s deep breathing stick! 🙂
After you’ve made the deep breathing stick, it’s important to teach your child how to use the craft to assist with deep breathing. Have your child start by finding a comfortable position as they hold their deep breathing stick with the flower side facing them.
Instruct your child to start by inhaling through their nose, pretending that they are smelling the flower on their deep breathing stick as they do so. Encourage them to slowly take in the smell, allowing the scent to fill their entire body.
Next, have your child turn their deep breathing stick over, so that the candle is now facing them. Have your child exhale through their mouth, pretending to blow the candle out that is in front of them. Again, encourage your child to blow the candle out slowly to ensure the candle is completely blown out.
Continue to have your child practice taking a deep breath in through their nose to smell the flowers, and then taking a long exhale through their mouth to blow out the candle. Once your child has taken a few deep breaths, take a few moments to help your child reflect on the experience. Help them to notice if they feel any differences in their body after using the deep breathing stick, like a slower heart rate or an increased feeling of calmness.
Just like all of the coping skills in this creative stress-relief crafts series, deep breathing takes practice. But with a fun craft, encouragement from parents, and practice, your child can become an expert at deep breathing and regulating their own emotions.
-
DIY Creative Stress-Relief Crafts for Children: Stress Ball for Reducing Anxiety
DIY Creative Stress-Relief Crafts for Children: Calm Jar for Reducinig Stress
Signs That Indicate That Your Child May Be Experiencing Anxiety
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Children and Adolescents
Children's Books for Your Anxious Elementary Schooler That Promote Coping Skills
What Every Child and Adolescent Therapist Wants Parents and Caregivers to Know
Search Our Other Blogs!
Interested in Counseling for Children & Teens in Monkton, MD?
If you’re a Marylander who knows that counseling is the direction you need to take, the therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services are here to help. We offer online counseling services for mindfulness, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. We also offer Brainspotting as a specialized service, and Brainspotting can be done online, too! We accept major insurances, including CareFirst/BCBS, Cigna/Evernorth, United/Optum, and Johns Hopkins EHP.
Here’s how you can get started! Online and in-person counseling for children and teens isn’t the only service offered at our Monkton, MD office.
The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students and international students.
Written by: Jordan Bramhall, LGPC
Jordan works with children, teens, and adults to help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and stress management. She offers in-person and online counseling services in Monkton, MD and accepts insurance.
