5 Pediatric Breathing Exercises That Actually Work

5 Fun Breathing Techniques Every Parent Should Know

Discover five pulmonologist-approved breathing exercises that support asthma management, reduce anxiety, and build lung strength — from the team at C.L.A.P.S. MD.

Breathe Better, Play Longer: 5 Breathing Techniques Every Parent Should Know

At C.L.A.P.S. MD, we believe that education is the key to healthy lungs. Whether your child struggles with asthma, anxiety, or chronic cough, breathing exercises can be a powerful (and playful) tool for daily support.

Here are five of our favorite techniques—easy to teach and fun to try at home:

Balloon Breathing

Ask your child to pretend they’re inflating a giant balloon.

How to do it:

- Take a deep breath in through the nose 

- Hold it for a few seconds 

- Blow out slowly through the mouth

Why it works: 

This builds lung strength, improves control, and adds a fun visual to make it stick.

🐍 Snake Breathing

Have your child channel their inner snake with a long, slow hiss.

How to do it:

- Breathe in slowly 

- Exhale with a soft “ssssssssss” sound

Why it works: 

Snake breathing is a calming exercise that stretches out the exhale — great for asthma and emotional regulation.

🌸 Flower Power Breathing

Turn calm breathing into a sensory adventure.

How to do it:

- “Smell the flower” by breathing in through the nose 

- “Blow the petals” with a soft exhale through the mouth

Why it works: 

This method reduces stress and teaches mindful breathing — especially useful before appointments or bedtime.

🦸‍♀️ Superhero Breathing

Every hero needs a breathing routine to power up!

How to do it:

- Stand in a superhero pose 

- Inhale for 4 seconds 

- Hold for 4 seconds 

- Exhale for 4 seconds

Why it works: 

This “box breathing” approach is excellent for performance prep, emotional grounding, and breath control in kids with vocal cord issues or performance anxiety.

🫧 Bubble Breathing

Therapeutic and fun — blowing bubbles the right way can be healing!

How to do it:

- Inhale slowly and deeply 

- Purse lips like blowing a bubble 

- Exhale gently and evenly

Why it works: 

This gentle, controlled exhale helps break cough habits and mirrors techniques we use during clinical evaluations.

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Ready to Breathe Easier?

At C.L.A.P.S. MD, our goal is to help children feel confident, strong, and in control of their health.

Call us, request an appointment https://www.clapsmd.org/ehr

📍 Based in Wayne, NJ, we offer comprehensive pediatric pulmonology services, telemedicine visits, and same-day week appointments. #pediatricpulmonologist #Breathingexercises #pediatricpulmonologyNJ