Squeeze and Release
Target Age Group: 5-12 year olds
Objective: The goal of this technique is to help children manage and release any tension, stress, or anger that has been held in through the use of imagination and body movement
Why it Works
Allows children to be more in tune with how their bodies react to different emotions and is an engaging way to release feelings of stress, overwhelmingness, or frustration. It also allows the children to provide self-regulation.
Instructions:
- Awareness:
- This technique helps children become aware of what they are feeling and learn how to let go of built-up tension in their bodies
- Make it a Game:
- For ages 5–12, this can be explained in a playful way so children better understand the method
- Example prompts:
- “Imagine you're very angry — squeeze your body as tight as you can, and then let it go.”
- “Pretend that you’re a superhero — name a body part, and squeeze that part of your body.”
