Movement can be utilized intentionally to help a child connect to their breath and their body when they are feeling a big emotion. Below are some movement techniques I use as a movement psychotherapist that can be especially helpful for young children who struggle to verbalize their feelings.
1. Encourage the child to express him or herself in a safe way.
For example, the child may begin hitting or kicking you, or may engage in self-injurious behaviors such as head banging or biting themselves. It is imperative that you remain calm, which is often easier said than done. You can offer the child choices of how to express themselves safely. If the child is not able to make a choice due to their dysregulation or their functioning level, you can support them.
You can say “You look really mad right now. It’s ok to feel mad, but it’s not ok to hit me. You can stomp your feet.” Or, you can show them another movement option such as making really tight fists for 10 seconds, then releasing and noticing how their body is calming down.
A child cannot be expected to respond safely or use their words if we do not teach them how.
"When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos" -L.R. Knost
2. Encourage deep breathing and body awareness.
There are many different mindful breathing techniques that exist, and here I am sharing a few that have been successful for me. You can face the child or sit beside them depending on what is comfortable for them in the moment. Raise one finger as if you are about to whisper “shhhh”. Take a deep breath in, and blow out the “candle” by blowing on the tip of your finger. If the child is able to join you in this it can help them take deep breaths as well, though if you simply take deep breaths beside them it can naturally lead them to feel more calm.
Balloon breathing provides a similar calming response. There are also 2 ways to implement it. The first way begins with your hands on your head, and as you take a deep inhale expand your hands slowly away from your head. At the top, you exhale and let your arms wiggle back down to your lap like a balloon that is deflating. I have had a lot of success with this version with young toddlers by making it very dramatic and silly. Another way to use balloon breathing is by putting your hands on your belly and taking deep breaths, observing how your belly expands and contracts with air like a balloon. This version is especially helpful for children who are able to put their hands on their own belly and notice their body's response.
3. Offer heavy work or deep pressure.
For many children, deep sensory input can help them with regulation. If the child is really frustrated, it can be helpful for them to push a weighted cart. This is helpful because it activates their large muscles, and provides them the opportunity to safely move something without hurting a friend. Pushing a cart in the sagittal plane, or "action" plane, can also support the child's decision making process.
If the child is sad, it can be helpful to offer squeezes or pressure for the child. For some children, squeezing their hands or offering a tight hug can be very calming. For others, providing pressure but keeping some distance can be more calming. For these children, providing pressure through a yogibo or cuddle swing can help them feel safe and regulate.
If the child is overstimulated, it can be helpful to start by joining their energy in a safe way before working to bring them back down. Jumping up and down for 30 seconds with a child who is running through the room can help them focus on you without immediately stopping their energy. Then, slowly integrating stillness by saying “freeze” in a quiet voice can help the child work on their impulse control, and refocus their energy on you. This is also a good opportunity to encourage the child to notice their heartbeat.
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