Calm down breathing
2–3 yearsEmotional WellbeingNo materials needed
Practice taking deep breaths together during calm moments. Place your child's hand on your belly so they can feel it rise and fall. Count slowly to three as you breathe in, then count to three as you breathe out.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Practice taking deep breaths together during calm moments. Place your child's hand on your belly so they can feel it rise and fall. Count slowly to three as you breathe in, then count to three as you breathe out.
This teaches a concrete coping strategy your child can use when emotions feel big. Regular practice makes it easier to use during actual upset moments.
Why It Works
Self-regulation is a core component of emotional intelligence alongside self-awareness, motivation, empathy, and social skills (Goleman, 1995). Teaching coping strategies at this critical age window, when the amygdala and prefrontal cortex are making important connections, establishes neurobiological patterns for emotional regulation. Higher emotional intelligence is linked to better stress management and reduced anxiety in later life (Bar-On, 2006).
Tips for Parents
Practice when everyone is calm, not during a meltdown. That way your child learns the skill before they need it.
You can blow bubbles or pretend to smell flowers and blow out candles to make it more engaging.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Symbolic and Pretend PlaySongs, Stories, and RhymesSocial Learning Through Peers
Loved this activity? Let us do the planning for you.
Imprint personalizes every activity to your child — their interests, their stage, the traits they're building — so playtime is more fun and every moment counts.
Science-backed. Private by design. No spam.