Balloon Breathing
Parent guides child through a simple breathing exercise where they pretend to blow up a balloon. The agent coaches the parent to observe the child's ability to follow the breathing instructions, regulate their body, and experience calm.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Quiet, comfortable spot. Parent and child sitting together. No materials needed. Optional: a real balloon to demonstrate first.
How it works
- 1~25s
Show your child how to blow up a pretend balloon. Cup your hands in front of your mouth like you're holding a balloon. Take a big breath in through your nose... then blow out slowly through your mouth while your hands move apart: 'Pfffffffffff!' like a balloon getting bigger. Do it together three times. Does your child copy the breathing?
Watch for: Child imitates the slow out-breath of balloon breathing.
- 2~20s
After three balloon breaths, pause and ask your child: 'How does your body feel? Is your tummy calm? Are your hands relaxed?' Touch your own tummy and say 'My tummy feels calm.' Does your child notice anything in their body?
Watch for: Child shows awareness of body sensations after breathing exercise.
- 3~25s
Make it playful — ask your child: 'What colour balloon are you blowing up?' Do a new breath for each colour: 'A red balloon! Pfffffffffff! A blue balloon! Pfffffffffff!' Can your child do three or four balloon breaths in a row?
Watch for: Child sustains the breathing exercise across multiple rounds with engagement.