When Elmo feels angry, his inner monster wants to come out. What do his friends teach him to help him calm down? Model the “belly breathing” calming strategy for your children, then count out loud for them as they try slowly breathing in and out themselves.

Just For You: Breathing to Relax

Sometimes relaxing is as simple as taking a few deep breaths.

• Sit or rest so that you’re comfortable.
• Close your eyes.
• Count to 5 as you breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose.
• Count to 5 as you breathe out through your mouth.
• Do this 5 more times.

Return to your normal breathing as you open your eyes. Ah! Relaxed!

Source: Sesame Street