Valentine Shape Breathing Exercise

This Valentine-themed breathing exercise is a simple, calming activity designed to help your child regulate their emotions and practice mindfulness. By tracing the heart shapes and focusing on their breathing, children can relax their bodies, improve focus, and build healthy coping skills.

Instructions + Worksheet PDF

What You’ll Need:

• The Valentine Shape Breathing Worksheet
  (printed on paper; optional: laminate for reuse)
  
  

• A quiet space where your child can sit comfortably
  
  

How to Use the Worksheet:

1. Introduce the Activity:

• Explain to your child that this is a calming exercise that uses their breath to help them feel relaxed and focused.

• Show them the worksheet and point out the two colors: red and blue. Let them know they’ll follow the lines as they breathe in and out.

2. Practice Shape Breathing:

 Breathe In on the Red Line

• Have your child place their finger at the starting point of the red line.

• As they slowly trace the red line, encourage them to take a deep breath in through their nose.

• Emphasize slow, steady breathing as they follow the curve of the red line.

Breathe Out on the Blue Line

• Once they reach the blue line, they’ll switch to breathing out through their mouth.

• Encourage them to slowly trace the blue line while gently exhaling.

3. Repeat for Relaxation:

• Continue this process, guiding your child to trace the heart shape multiple times.

• Aim for 4-6 rounds of breathing, depending on their age and attention span.

• Remind them to focus on the feeling of their breath as it enters and leaves their body.

4. Optional Calming Cue:

• Encourage your child to think of a calming or happy thought while tracing, such as someone they love or a favorite activity.

Tips for Success:

Make it Visual: If your child is younger, use simple terms like “Draw a big heart with your finger while breathing!”

Model the Exercise: Show your child how to breathe in and out while tracing so they understand the rhythm.

Practice Together: Join your child in the activity to encourage them and make it feel like a fun bonding experience.

Why It’s Beneficial:

Focus & Mindfulness: Tracing the lines gives your child something fun to concentrate on, helping them stay in the moment.

Breath Awareness: The exercise teaches slow, controlled breathing, which helps reduce stress and calm the nervous system.

Easy Emotional Regulation Tool: This worksheet is a perfect addition to a calming corner offering a simple way for kids to manage big emotions.

Encourage your child to use this breathing exercise anytime they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or in need of a break. For added durability, consider laminating the worksheet so it can be reused whenever needed. This Valentine-themed activity is a great way to weave mindfulness into your family’s routine in a playful and heartwarming way! ❤