Simple ways to help children relax

Children feel worries and stress too. Simple calming activities can help them settle and feel safe.

Try slow breathing together

Breathing in slowly and out for longer, perhaps pretending to blow up a balloon, can help children calm down.

Build in quiet time

Calm moments in the day, such as reading or drawing, give children a chance to wind down.

Calming ideas to try

• Slow balloon breathing
• Reading or looking at books together
• Gentle stretching or quiet play
• Listening to calm music or a story

Do it together

Children relax more easily when a calm adult joins them. Doing it regularly helps most.