The Balloon in My Chest

Ages 3–5

Before her vaccination, worried Amara learns to breathe an imaginary giant purple balloon into her chest and hiss the air out slowly, letting her fear float away one sssssss at a time.

A gentle breathing trick that helps children turn pre-shot worry into calm, earned bravery.

The cover of "The Balloon in My Chest"

Amara sat in the waiting room chair, her tummy doing tiny flip-flops. "What if it hurts?" she whispered to Pip. His floppy ears drooped low, worried right along with her.

Nurse Coco knelt down, only her hand and shoulder peeking into view, and held out a small purple pillow. "I know a secret trick," she said softly. "Want to try it with me, Amara?"

"This little pillow will remind you of a big balloon inside your chest," said Nurse Coco. "Breathe it in, big and round." Amara puffed her cheeks and pulled in a long, slow breath.

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