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Screen-free game

Imaginary candle

Imagine a candle and gently breathe out towards it. You may stop after any breath.

4-7 years3 minscreen-free during play
Imaginary candle - How the game continues 1Imaginary candle - How the game continues 2Imaginary candle - How the game continues 3
Look - try - finish
1

For the parent first

Show one natural breath in and a gentle breath out without holding the breath.

2

Say to the child

“Imagine a candle and gently breathe out towards it. You may stop after any breath.”
3

How the game continues

  1. Imagine a candle in front of you.
  2. Breathe in naturally and breathe out gently.
  3. Repeat up to three times, only if you want to.

You are done when

At the end choose a hug, a smile or a quiet pause.

If you get stuck

Do not force it. Shrink the task to one round or stop the activity.

More rounds

  • Close your eyes only when it is safe.
  • The adult shows their own example first.
  • The child chooses the pace and the ending.

Safety

Do not hold or force the breath. Stop at once if the child feels dizzy or uncomfortable.

Imaginary candle

Move through three calm rounds of “Imaginary candle”. Any round may be the last.

Open the interactive version