Author:
Yuliia Didenko
We are continuing the social campaign “Kid Superheroes,” launched by the Foundation last year. Initially, the project introduced viewers to four children supported by the Foundation, who appeared as superheroes and demonstrated simple calming techniques.
In the new videos, the Foundation’s psychologists, Anna and Yana, together with their sons Sashko and Vova, practice self-regulation exercises in pairs. When a parent joins in, a stressful situation turns into a shared, playful experience. The child feels supported, and the technique is learned naturally.
Exercises That Help Restore Calm
The series includes six new exercises. Each of them helps quickly engage a child’s attention and reduce internal tension. They can be practiced at home, at school, or in any situation where anxiety needs to be lowered.
“The Shaking Monster” exercise
“Australian Rain” exercise
“The Washing Machine” exercise
“Neurogymnastics” exercise
“Pizza on the Back” exercise
“The Four Elements” exercise
Previously, as part of the campaign, the Foundation presented four other techniques also aimed at rapid calming:
Try each of them! Watch the first set of exercises via the link.
- “Box Breathing” is one of the simplest techniques: trace a square on the palm of one hand with a finger from the other and synchronize breathing with the movement: inhale, pause, exhale, pause.
- “Flower Candle Breathing” involves a slow inhale through the nose, as if smelling a flower, and a long exhale through the mouth, as if blowing out a candle.
- The “5-4-3-2-1” technique helps return to the “here and now” through the senses: name five things you can see, four you can touch, three sounds around you, two smells, and one taste.
- In the “Butterfly” exercise, the hands rhythmically tap the chest — left, then right. The rhythmic tapping creates a heartbeat-like sensation that helps calm the body and mind.
Try each of them! Watch the first set of exercises via the link.
Accessible to Everyone
The Foundation has published the instructions on its YouTube channel. They can also be seen on outdoor city light panels across the country and in Ukrzaliznytsia’s Intercity+ high-speed trains. Our goal is to make self-care information accessible to as many people as possible. Emotional regulation skills can become part of everyday family life, especially in conditions of prolonged stress.
Psychological support can be simple, understandable, and even fun when techniques are practiced together. In our regional centers, children can find a community of peers, receive psychological support, and take part in creative activities and games. If needed, anyone can also contact our free psychological support helpline for children and parents: 0 800 210 106.
This material was created by the Voices of Children Charitable Foundation as part of the Relief to Protect project, with the support of Plan International and funding from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).
This material was created by the Voices of Children Charitable Foundation as part of the Relief to Protect project, with the support of Plan International and funding from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).
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