How do I support my child to use the coping strategy of deep breathing?

Speaker: Liana Zannis, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker, CHC's Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services

Liana Zannis, LCSW: Hi, I'm Liana Zannis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Children's Health Council (CHC). The question today is, "How do I support my child to use the coping strategy of deep breathing?" Deep breathing is a really helpful coping skill because it calms the body. One deep breathing technique is called box breathing. Box breathing is breathing in for five seconds, holding for five seconds, breathing out for five seconds and holding for five seconds. Some kiddos like to use their finger in the air to create a little box just like I did, and others like to put marker or crayon on paper. You can do this skill for at least a couple of minutes to calm your body. I encourage you to practice this first in calm moments. Practicing makes this skill a lot easier to use in challenging moments.