Tummy in a Knot
A short rhyme for big feelings, written for this site.
When my tummy’s in a knot,And I’m cross and feeling hot,I breathe in slow and breathe out too,Then I know just what to do.
Why it helps
Words don’t reach a child in full meltdown, so teach this on a calm day. Then it is already familiar when you need it, and you can simply start breathing together.
How to use it
Practice it when nobody is upset. Breathe in and out together on the third line, and make the out-breath long and noisy.
Ask your child
- Where do you feel cross in your body?
- What helps when you feel like that?
More rhymes
What to do next
For the grown-ups: Kids Story Book has a guide on getting through to children without shouting.