Calm body practice
2–3 yearsFamily ConnectionNo materials needed
When conflicts aren't happening, practice calming strategies together. Show your child how to take deep breaths, hug themselves, or squeeze their hands together. Say 'Let's practice our calm body. Big breath in, big breath out.' Make it playful by pretending to blow out birthday candles or smell flowers. Practice for just two to three minutes.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
When conflicts aren't happening, practice calming strategies together. Show your child how to take deep breaths, hug themselves, or squeeze their hands together. Say 'Let's practice our calm body. Big breath in, big breath out.' Make it playful by pretending to blow out birthday candles or smell flowers. Practice for just two to three minutes.
Why It Works
Children need to learn regulation strategies before they can apply them in heated moments. At this age, children can follow two-step instructions and benefit from concrete physical strategies. Children who learn to calmly discuss disagreements show 30% better emotional regulation throughout development (Shantz, 1987).
Tips for Parents
Model the calming technique yourself with exaggerated movements. Practice during calm, happy times, not during meltdowns. Use the same technique consistently so it becomes automatic. You might say 'Let's do our calm breathing' as a gentle reminder during conflicts later.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Social Learning Through PeersSymbolic and Pretend PlayInteractive Play-Based Learning
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