Breathe with me
Right now, do this
- 1Stop. Put something safe between you and your child if needed. You are allowed to step away for 30 seconds.
- 2Say out loud: "This is not an emergency. My child is not giving me a hard time โ they are having a hard time."
- 3Drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, exhale longer than you inhale.
- 4Get low โ sit on the floor near them. Your calm body teaches their nervous system to settle.
- 5Name the feeling, not the behaviour: "You're really upset. I'm here. We're safe."
60-second grounding
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If anyone is in danger
If your child or you are at risk of serious harm, reach out now:
UK: 999 ยท US: 911
NSPCC Helpline (UK): 0808 800 5000
Parent Helpline (US): 1-855-427-2736