Relaxation Exercises for Kids

Imagination can be a useful tool in getting children to relax, regardless of the reason. Whether you have them sit with their eyes closed and build a story together or start relaxing by doing physical exercises, incorporating the imagination will help them relax the mind as well as the body.

Bundles of Energy

• After a long day of play, it can be hard to calm down. Have the children sit with their legs in front of them and try to reach past their toes. Now the ceiling. Now opposite walls. Encourage the children to breathe slow and deep throughout this exercise.
  Next have the children stand with their feet shoulder-width apart. Have them bend over and try to place their hands on the floor. Suggest that they just hang there a moment like rag dolls. Avoid having them shake their arms or anything as this will just start everything up again in a gale of giggles.
  Now have them kneel on the floor as little balls. They can then stretch their arms out while keeping their foreheads on the floor.

Emotional Outburst

• Have the children sit cross-legged with the back against a wall. Encourage the children to visualize the emotion (anger, hurt, frustration, whatever) leaving them and getting sucked into the wall.
  Now have them stand and take a deep breath while reaching toward the ceiling.
  Next have them kneel with knees directly under hips and wrists under shoulders so that they are on all fours. Have them dip their bellies down while looking up at the ceiling. Then have them arch their back up and look down at the floor.
  Finally, have them sit as they please as long as their back is straight for some neck stretches. First, have them place their right ear to their right shoulder, then come back to center. Finally, have them put their left ear to left shoulder.

Long Day

• After a long day, simple stretches can be helpful in getting out kinks. Have the children lay on their backs and stretch their toes toward one wall, while stretching their hands toward the opposite one. Now have the children sit up and gently roll their head from one side to the other. The butterfly can be a relaxing and fun exercise at the end of a long day. Have the children sit with the soles of their feet together, holding onto the toes if they like. Now have them bounce on the knees gently.