Blowing Out Big Birthday Candles: A Deeper Look at Eden’s Favorite Calming Strategy
Thank you for welcoming “I Want a Popsicle!: A Story About Dealing with Anger” into your home! I hope Eden’s story has sparked conversations about emotions and provided your family with practical ways to handle those tough moments when anger takes over.
One of the key strategies Eden learns in the book is “blowing out big birthday candles.” This fun and simple breathing exercise helps her calm down when her feelings feel too big to handle. In this post, let’s dive deeper into why this technique works and how you can expand on it with your child.
Why Blowing Out Birthday Candles Helps Kids Calm Down
In the story, Eden uses this technique when she’s upset about not getting a popsicle right away. Why does it work so well?
• Engages the Body and Mind: Pretending to blow out candles is both physical and imaginative. It focuses kids’ energy while helping them regulate their breathing.
• Biological Benefits: Deep breathing slows the heart rate, lowers stress hormones, and sends a calming message to the brain.
• Playful and Relatable: For kids, birthday candles symbolize joy and fun. This makes the exercise feel approachable and less like a “calm down” command.
How to Practice This Strategy at Home
If your family has already tried this strategy while reading the book, here are some ways to take it further:
1. Turn It Into a Game
• Ask your child, “How many candles are on your cake today? Let’s blow them all out together!”
• Add a sensory element: Imagine the candles smell like their favorite treats (chocolate, strawberry) or are rainbow-colored.
2. Make It a Routine
• Practice during calm moments, like before bed or after school.
• Share your own example: “I had a stressful day too. Let’s blow out my candles together.”
3. Personalize the Story
• Encourage your child to imagine their own version of Eden’s scenario: “What would you do if you felt mad like Eden? Can we blow out candles together when that happens?”
When to Use This Strategy
Eden uses this technique in the heat of the moment, but it’s also a great tool for other situations:
• Before stressful events: Ease nerves before a doctor’s visit or first day of school.
• During transitions: Use it when moving from one activity to another feels overwhelming.
• After a tough moment: Help your child reset after hearing “no” or losing a game.
Beyond the Book: Connecting with Your Child
When I wrote “I Want a Popsicle!”, I wanted to offer more than just a story—I wanted to create a resource that families could use to build stronger emotional connections. By practicing this technique together, you’re not just helping your child learn to self-regulate; you’re showing them that they’re supported and loved, no matter what.
For parents, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we model calmness in our own lives. I’ve found that when I practice blowing out my “candles” alongside my daughter, it not only helps her but gives me a moment to reset too.
Your Family’s Journey with Eden
How has your family been using this strategy since reading “I Want a Popsicle!”? Have you noticed your child using it on their own or in moments when they’re struggling?
One parent recently shared that their child asked to “blow out candles like Eden” after a frustrating moment at school. Hearing stories like these warms my heart—it’s a reminder that small, playful tools can have a big impact.
Conclusion
Eden’s journey in “I Want a Popsicle!” is just the beginning. By practicing and expanding on the strategies in the book, you’re giving your child tools to handle big feelings and teaching them that it’s okay to feel mad sometimes.
I’d love to hear how your family is connecting with the book and using Eden’s strategies. Share your experiences in the comments or tag me on social media with your stories. Together, we can celebrate the small victories of raising emotionally resilient kids!