> 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/guides-and-insights/breathing-exercises-for-anxious-children.md). # Breathing Exercises for Anxious Children How to use slow, comfortable breathing as a child-friendly regulation skill without forcing it. Breathing is one of the most portable regulation skills children can learn. THC's current guide presents several breathing techniques for home and classroom use, including belly breathing and other playful variations. ## Teach the skill when the child is calm A breathing exercise is easier to use during anxiety when it has already been practised in a neutral moment. ## Keep the breath comfortable The aim is not to take the biggest possible breath. Useful guidance is usually: * breathe gently * allow the abdomen to move * keep the shoulders relaxed * let the exhale be unforced * stop if the child feels dizzy or uncomfortable ## Use play for younger children Visual imagery, hand tracing, counting, bubbles, or a soft toy on the belly can make the practice easier to understand. ## Breathing is not the only response If anxiety is intense, persistent, or affecting daily life, breathing exercises should sit alongside appropriate adult support and professional care where needed. [Read THC's full breathing guide](https://www.theholisticcare.com/blog/breathing-exercises-for-anxious-children) ## Related guidance * [Guides & Insights](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/guides-and-insights) * [Using Guided Meditation Scripts With Children](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/guides-and-insights/using-guided-meditation-scripts-with-children) * [Body Scan for Children & Families](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/guides-and-insights/body-scan-for-children-and-families) --- # 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/guides-and-insights/breathing-exercises-for-anxious-children.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.