Episode 11: Practical Emotional Regulation Techniques That You Can Teach Your Child Today

Here's something I think about a lot: we know, as parents and teachers, that kids aren't born knowing how to regulate their emotions and yet we still expect our two-, three-, and four-year-olds to just calm down on command. It doesn't work that way, and it never will. That's exactly why I'm pulling back the curtain on my bestselling Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook and showing you what's actually inside.In this episode, I'm walking you through some of my favorite breathing techniques from Chapter 4 — "Stocking Your Toolkit" — and sharing how to introduce them to your child in a way that actually sticks. The trick? Timing, playfulness, and letting your kid lead.In this episode, we cover:Triangle Breathing: A simple visual technique where kids trace the sides of a triangle while breathing in, holding, and exhaling slowly.Five-Finger Breathing: Using their own hand as a guide, kids can even trace it with chalk or a dry-erase marker for extra sensory engagement.Star Breathing: A classroom favorite that uses the points of a star to guide a full breathing cycle.Square Breathing: An inhale-hold-exhale-hold pattern that pairs perfectly with a visual for self-regulation.Rainbow Breathing: A back-and-forth tracing technique that is genuinely calming — even for adults.Bunny Breaths: Three sharp, fast inhales followed by a slow exhale — perfect for kids who need a little more movement in their regulation.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook — The complete guide featured in this episode, covering everything from your child's sensory profile and triggers to setting up a Calm Down Corner and the breathing techniques we discussed todayThe STEAM Made Simple Preschool Curriculum — The bestseller Danielle uses daily at home, now available with the Calm Down Corner Kit add-onYour "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:Pick just one breathing technique from this episode and try it with your child during a calm moment — after breakfast, before bed, or anytime the energy is low-key. You don't even need to print anything yet. Grab a piece of paper, draw a triangle or a square, and trace it together while you breathe. Make it silly. Let them lead.Recommended Episodes:Episode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)Episode 6: Tantrums and Meltdowns with Courtney EnglishEpisode 7: The CCP Model: A Game Changer for High-Energy ToddlersIf you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.