Tip 41– Teach your child how to relax with a simple breathing technique.

Choose a comfortable spot like a bed, sofa, or soft-carpeted area and lie down with your child. Gradually begin to concentrate together on breathing. Then add this phrase to the process, “Breathe in and breathe out.” Repeat it over and over slowly and with the rhythm of each breath. As you two are enjoying this relaxation process, tell your child to feel his chest each time it fills up with air and then to feel it again each time it empties.

Parenting Insight… Breath is life. With every breath there is life. Because breathing is an involuntary process, it is easy to take for granted. However, awareness of it can bring your child great love and appreciation for the most wonderful gift of all… the gift of life!