Welcome back to The Path to Peace Therapy Podcast. I'm Stephanie Buckley an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, a Parenting Strategist, and a Family Systems Coach. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression. and I've also been married for over three decades and raised a 23 year old now-thriving neurodivergent son.

Mornings can feel overwhelming especially for kids with ADHD, anxiety, or big emotions. If your child wakes up cranky, anxious, or already in fight-or-flight mode, the tone of the whole day can spiral before breakfast. That's where the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique with Balloon Breaths comes in.

In this short, guided practice, I walk your child through using all five senses to feel safe, steady, and connected before heading into their day. Together, you'll name:

• 5 things they can see

• 4 things they can feel

• 3 things they can hear

• 2 things they can smell

• 1 thing they can taste (or imagine tasting)

And then, you'll finish with gentle balloon breaths hands on the belly, breathing in and out like a balloon inflating and deflating.

This routine isn't just for mornings it can be used anytime emotions feel too big, whether that's before school, after a meltdown, or even at bedtime. It's a quick reset for the nervous system, helping kids feel safe in their bodies and connected to you as their parent.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a ready-to-use tool for calmer mornings, smoother transitions, and stronger connection with your child.

Why It Helps

• Reorients the brain when emotions feel overwhelming

• Builds body awareness and mindfulness skills

• Helps children practice emotional regulation with you as a co-regulator

• Creates a consistent, predictable morning ritual

I see families in-person in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, and El Segundo and I provide virtual therapy across California plus parent coaching worldwide.

Need more support? Contact Stephanie Buckley

Learn more & connect: ThePathToPeaceTherapy.com | [email protected] | 310-991-8768 Follow on Instagram: @ThePathToPeaceTherapy