Bubble Breaths with Ripple: A Simple Breathing Exercise for Kids

If you have ever watched your little one get overwhelmed in the mornings, freeze (and tear) up at school drop off, melt down during homework, or spiral after a long day, you are not alone. These are the exact moments when a calming strategy can make a difference and keep tiny frustrations from erupting into big feelings. One of my favorite tools for these situations is something I call Bubble Breaths. It is a simple breathing exercise for kids that helps their bodies slow down and feel calmer again.

Here is how to try it at home.

Step one. Ask your kiddo to imagine they are blowing a giant shiny bubble.
Step two. Take a slow breath in through the nose.
Step three. Blow out gently, like blowing through a bubble wand. A soft breath keeps the bubble from popping.
Step four. Repeat a few times until their body starts to settle.

Bubble Breaths help slow the heart rate and give the brain a quick moment to reset. Kids enjoy the visual because it feels like play. You can use Bubble Breaths before school, during homework, in the car, or anytime anxiety or frustration rises.

Here is my favorite part. Doing Bubble Breaths with your child helps you calm your own body at the same time. When you join them, you model the skill, strengthen the connection, and show them that you can feel anxious or upset without fully losing it.

Try Bubble Breaths together this week. Little skills create big ripples.