Stress Awareness Day
Stress can be a significant barrier to fully engaging in daily activities for both children and adults. By learning positive coping mechanisms, we can help kids build confidence, participate in everyday life, and lay a solid foundation of skills to build upon. Here are three fun balloon exercises that promote emotional regulation and stress relief!
DIY Stress Ball
What You Need: A balloon, flour (or alternative textures like sand, moon dough, or rice).
How-To:
Use a funnel (or a cut water bottle) to fill the balloon with flour.
Tie it securely, ensuring there are no holes.
Squeeze away your stress! This tactile activity is perfect for fidgeting and releasing tension.
Ice & Water Balloon Fun
What You Need: Balloons and water.
How-To:
Water Balloons: Fill balloons with water. Let your child throw them on the ground or against a wall for a satisfying burst! Just remember to clean up the pieces afterward.
Ice Balloons: Fill balloons with water and freeze them. Once frozen, remove the rubber exterior. Toss the balloon onto the ground and let your child "dino” or “monster” stomp on the ice pieces for an exhilarating experience!
Always supervise your child to ensure safety and protect your space!
Breath Control with Balloons
What You Need: A balloon
How-To: Blow up the balloon and experiment with different sizes. This is a great way to practice breath control—encouraging your child to control how hard or soft they blow can help with relaxation and focus.
Using these balloon activities, we can create opportunities for fun while teaching essential stress management skills. Let’s help our kids thrive! Check out our other blog post to find 5 additional activities to do at-home with balloons.
