Separation from loved ones can be difficult for children and adults. Separation encompasses many different situations; death of a loved one or pet, a special friend who moved, transitioning to school as a preschooler or kindergarten student, parent divorce, incarceration, and, COVID-19, to highlight a few. We might experience a range of emotions related to the separation. Sadness, anxiety, and anger can overwhelm us and these separations can be very stressful. We tend to focus on "what is not" instead of "what is". One tool I use with students is "The Invisible String". No matter what the nature of the separation is, we are connected to our loved ones by an invisible string. It is a wonderful visual reminder when emotions heighten due to separation.
We breathe all day long and, most likely, give it little to no attention. It is something we do automatically. But attention to the breath is important, especially when we are heightened with emotion. When we start to feel anxious, frustrated, angry, or even silly at an unexpected time, we can slow those feelings down with our breath so that our brains can think and solve our problem.
Calm body = A thinking brain. Bubble breathing is a fundamental skill that allows us to feel calm. Learn from Curious George how to use Bubble Breathing by reading the attached story. Go ahead, give it a try! Remember to practice, and if you have bubbles, what a better way to learn!