Flashlight Star Breathing

What you need

• Flashlight, 1

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Check that the floor path to the bed or cozy spot is clear, then grab a flashlight. Pick a spot where you can both lie down and see a blank stretch of ceiling.

1. Get cozy and lie down together, facing the ceiling.
2. Dim the room lights.
3. Trace a big star on the ceiling with the flashlight, very slowly.
4. Breathe in through your nose while the light travels up a line.
   Ask: Can you fill your belly up like a balloon?
5. Breathe out slowly while the light travels down a line.
6. Trace the star two or three more times, breathing with the light.
   Ask: How do your arms and legs feel now?
7. Swap roles so the child leads the star tracing.
8. Switch off the flashlight and take one last big, slow breath.
9. Now trace stars for a friend! What shape will you glow next?
   Ask: Who would you like to share your star magic with?

Play it again

• Shape swap: trace a circle, a heart or a triangle instead of a star.
• Pause points: hold your breath gently for one count at each star point.
• Star in a circle: trace a star inside a big circle, breathing slowly all the way around.