Mindfulness Breathing Card Set- Dinosaur Edition

Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment, without judging or getting distracted. It means being aware of what you're thinking, feeling, and experiencing right now, instead of worrying about the past, current or future.

Yes, kids can feel, sense, and regulate their emotions, but they may need help learning how to do it. Kid's may need support to pause and recognize when they're happy, sad, angry, or scared, but they might not always know how to control or express those feelings in a helpful way. With support from parents, teachers, or caregivers, kids can learn to understand and manage their emotions in a helpful way that allows them to feel good again.

By focusing on your breath, you can practice mindfulness and quiet your racing thoughts. This can be especially useful in moments of overwhelm, panic, or strong emotions. It's a valuable skill that can bring you back to a calm state and allow you to problem solve.

Mindfulness finger tracing breathing cards are a type of mindfulness practice, but they aren't exactly the same as traditional meditation.

In mindfulness finger tracing, a child (or adult) traces shapes or patterns with their finger while focusing on their breath. This helps them stay in the present moment and calm their mind. It’s a simple way to practice mindfulness, but it doesn't involve the long periods of stillness or focused attention like meditation often does.

So, while finger tracing breathing cards are a mindfulness tool, they are a more interactive, physical way to practice mindfulness compared to regular meditation.

Make practicing coping strategies a daily routine to help your child regulate their emotions. These cards are perfect for use before bed, in the morning, or when going to a new place. They can easily be taken wherever your child goes, whether it's daycare, school, or between homes. Ground yourself in the present and find inner peace with breath meditation, a calming practice that allows you to acknowledge your thoughts without controlling them.

You can use breathing cards in your daily routine by following these simple steps:

1. Pick a Card: Choose a breathing card.
2. Find a Quiet Spot: Get somewhere comfortable where you won't be distracted. It can be in your room, at school, or even outside.
3. Trace the Shape: Place your finger on the start circle on the card. Slowly trace along the lines with your finger while taking deep breaths.
4. Focus on Your Breath: As you trace, breathe in slowly through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Try to match your breath with the movement of your finger.
5. Do It for a Few Minutes: You can do this for a few minutes, whenever you need to calm down, focus, or feel better.
6. Repeat Often: You can use the breathing cards any time during the day, like before school, during breaks, or before bedtime.

Breathing cards can help you feel more relaxed and in control of your emotions!

Emotional regulation is the ability to control and manage your emotions. It means knowing how to calm down when you're upset and express your feelings in a healthy way. It helps you respond to situations in a balanced way instead of reacting out of frustration or anger that may be unhelpful.