The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block 2-Book Bundle pdfdrive com

Best Used For:
Toddlers over two (who can already wait patiently
for a minute).
How to Do It:
This skill is as simple as breathing, but before you
teach your bouncy little tyke, it’s important for you to learn it.
First, You Practice:
• Relax your face. When the house is quiet, turn off the phone and
take two to three minutes for yourself. Sit in a comfy chair,
uncross your legs, put your hands in your lap, drop your
shoulders, and—most important—let the tiny muscles around
your mouth and eyes get very soft and relaxed.
• Take a few slow breaths. Slowly inhale through your nose (as
you silently count to five) then slowly exhale through your nose
(for another silent five counts). Make a little whooshy sound as

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the air flows in and out, and never hold your breath.
• As you breathe in, let one hand slowly rise and as you breathe
out let it slowly drop.
Practice where your child can watch. He may get curious and want to
imitate you.
Now, You’re Ready to Teach Your Little One:
When he comes to watch you:
• Say, “Breathe with Mommy.” Start by leading him through a
couple of fast breaths (two counts in, two counts out), using your
whooshy sound and hand motion to guide him. Don’t get
frustrated if he can’t do it right away. It may take a dozen tries
for him to get the hang of it.
• Reward any breathing with encouragement: “Good breathing!”
“Good following my hand.” Give a hand check and immediately
follow it up with a little play. (Later in the day, gossip about his
good breathing to your spouse, his teddy bear, or a birdie
outside.)
• Gradually, lead your child through more and slower breaths
(aim for at least five breaths at a sitting). Once he gets good at
magic breathing, practice it in different places and at different
times of the day.