• Focus on breaths. Have your child practice “smelling and cooling
the soup.” Have them take a deep breath in through the nose as if
they’re smelling something delicious, and blowing out the breath
through the mouth as if they’re trying to cool a hot bowl of soup.
Practice this often and remind them to do this when they’re feeling
upset or anxious.
• Engage the senses. Smell different scents such as candles or spices.
Touch different textures like cardboard or fluffy pets and describe
how they feel. Listen to the sound of a bell, singing bowl, or calming
music. Anything that requires them to focus on their senses is
heightening awareness.
16