5 Tips for Teaching Neurodivergent Kids Calming Breath

I seized a golden opportunity to teach my kid self-regulation.

I’m Literally a Breathing Expert

I’ve taught calming breath to thousands of students, and hold professional training in pranayama, the evidence-based, ancient approach to breath awareness and breathing exercises.

My son has always rejected my breathing suggestions. “That’s not my thing,” he says, “It’s YOUR thing.”

The problem is, the self–regulation strategies that are his “thing” aren’t working very well. You can’t conjure up a crunchy snack when you get hurt accidentally by a friend at the playground. You also can’t punch them while they are apologizing (if you want to maintain that friendship).

Breath is always there, available to help us get a little space from a stressful event before reacting. One slow exhale can mean the difference between violent retaliation and empowered self-regulation.

The Breakthrough Moment

Over the holidays, my family and cousins were swimming in a hotel pool. That’s our happy place. My son loves water and he loves his cousins. He loves playing Marco Polo in…