Self-soothing techniques for kids

Quick self-soothing tips for kids

  • Quick tip 1

    Do a deep-breathing exercise.

    Do a deep-breathing exercise.

    Put your hand on your belly. Breathe in through your nose for three seconds (one hippopotamus, two hippopotamus...) and feel your hand rise. Then breathe out through your mouth for three seconds and feel your hand fall. Repeat four times.

All kids feel anxious or stressed sometimes, like when they’re getting ready for a big test. But kids who learn and think differently may feel stress more often or more intensely. Self-soothing techniques can help them relax and regain their sense of control. 

One way kids learn to self-soothe is by watching how the adults around them deal with stress. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, say something like, “I’ve got so much to do today. I need to take a minute to do my jumping jacks. Then I’ll feel better.” Ask kids to join you.

Learn more about stress and kids who learn and think differently.

Dive deeper

About the author

About the author

Kate Kelly has been writing and editing for more than 20 years, with a focus on parenting.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Elizabeth Harstad, MD, MPH is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Share

Explore related topics