
Breathe, Think, Do!
You can help children to use the “Breathe, Think, Do” strategy to calm down, identify their feelings, and work to solve their problem!
Frustration is a normal part of life, but it can overwhelm kids and bring up a lot of big feelings. You can help them to use the “Breathe, Think, Do” strategy to calm down, identify their feelings, and work to solve their problem.
Breathe
First, help kids calm down.
- Encourage them to put their hands on their bellies and slowly take three deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth.
- Ask them to whisper “calm down” (or another encouraging phrase) to themselves.
Think
Next, help children understand their problem and think about a plan to solve it.
- Encourage little ones to tell you how they are feeling and why. You can help them find the words by telling them what you notice (“It seems like you feel frustrated because you’re having trouble putting on your sweater.”).
- Help come up with a few different plans for solving the problem (such as unbuttoning the top button).
Do
Encourage kids to choose a plan and try it out.
- Ask, “Which plan is best? Let’s try it!”
- If the plan doesn’t work, ask, “How else could you do this?,” and then try the next plan.
- Remind kids that learning new things takes practice. It’s not that they can’t do it; it’s that they can’t do it yet.

Safe & Together
When families have to leave home in order to stay safe, it helps to remember that home is where the love is.

Bubble Time
A quiet activity such as blowing bubbles can help both children and adults breathe deeply, slow down… and calm down.

Crayon Power
Coloring together can soothe both children and grown-ups.

See You Later Alligator
A special, loving good-bye routine can make separations easier.

Friendship Bracelets
When it’s hard to be apart from those we love, the littlest things can become big reminders that someone loves us and is thinking of us.

Cloud Watching
Spending time outside can feel like a “reset” on the day.

Pillow Hugs
Hugging a pillow covered with an item of a loved one’s clothing can help comfort children when they’re missing them.