> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/children-and-parents/breathing-and-calming-practices.md). # Breathing & Calming Practices Age-appropriate breathing and grounding practices that can help children settle without forcing calm or breath control. Breathing practices can be useful because the breath is always available and easy to notice. Examples include: * counting three natural breaths * placing a hand on the abdomen and noticing movement * breathing out slowly while imagining tension softening * combining breath with gentle movement * listening to sounds for one minute before returning attention to breathing Breathing should remain comfortable. Children should never be pressured to hold the breath or continue if they feel dizzy or uncomfortable. ## How to guide breathing safely Keep breathing natural and comfortable. Useful cues include: * soften the shoulders * feel the belly move * notice the exhale * pause if the child feels dizzy or uncomfortable * keep the practice short For younger children, use playful images such as smelling a flower and gently blowing out a candle. Avoid long breath holds or complicated counting patterns unless the exercise is specifically designed for the age group. ## Related guidance * [Children & Parents](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/children-and-parents) * [Big Feelings & Emotional Regulation](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/children-and-parents/big-feelings-and-emotional-regulation) * [Sleep & Bedtime](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/children-and-parents/sleep-and-bedtime) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/children-and-parents/breathing-and-calming-practices.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.