Small Breaths, Big Impact: Breathwork as a Foundation for Children's Health and Wellness
Why Kids Don't Need to "Do" Breathwork — They Need Us to Breathe With Them
If you've ever tried to talk a melting-down child into "taking a deep breath," you already know it rarely works. On the latest episode of the NTA Vodcast, host Sarah Fieschi talks with breathwork facilitator Adrienne Rivera about why that's the case — and what actually helps.
Adrienne came to breathwork through her own healing journey with circular connected breath, later developing a kids-specific approach after moms in her adult training asked how to bring it home to their children. Her core message: kids co-regulate off their parents' nervous systems, so breathing with them — not instructing them — is what actually calms them down.
A few highlights from the conversation:
Co-regulation over instruction — children mirror the breathing and tone around them, making modeling far more effective than telling them to calm down.
Play as the fastest reset — playful tools like teddy bear breathing, slinkies, Hoberman spheres, and "hot chocolate breath" work better for kids than formal technique.
The nervous system science — how stress affects the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, and why breath is called "the remote control to the nervous system."
Everyday parenting shifts — waiting until everyone's regulated before big conversations, building emotional vocabulary through questions, and letting kids finish their emotional cycles.
The payoff — better sleep, digestion, and posture, plus emotional regulation and confidence that carries into adulthood.
Want to go deeper? Adrienne offers Kids and Adult Breathwork Facilitator certification programs, plus a free weekly breathwork session, at breathofgold.com.
About our guest, Adrienne Rivera
Adrienne Rivera is the founder of Breath of Gold®--which is most well-known for its trauma-informed Breathwork Facilitator Program. As the lead Breathwork Trainer at Breath of Gold®, she specializes in teaching and leading circular connected breath, a powerful technique for healing and transformation.
Adrienne Rivera delivered a TEDx talk titled "Our Breath: The Key to Innovation," where she shared powerful insights into the transformative potential of breathwork. She is also an Amazon best-selling author of Breath of Gold, a collaborative book that highlights inspiring stories of individuals' breathwork journeys with Adrienne.
Adrienne has led thousands of breathwork clients around the world. Many of them share that her breathwork journeys can feel like 10 years of therapy in one session. She is passionate about sharing breathwork and empowering people to use the most powerful healing tool they have within themselves.
She lives in Reno, Nevada with her husband and their dog. In her free time, she loves to dance freely and run marathons.
You can learn more about Leah and her offerings here:
About NTA Vodcast Host Sara Fieschi
Sara Fieschi is the passionate Founder of Food Spirit Wellness—a guiding light for female Health Practitioners, Coaches, and Wellness Entrepreneurs on their journey to wellness. Sara holds a Bachelor's degree in Food Science & Nutrition with Honours, a PhD in Nutrition, and a Practitioner of Functional Nutritional Therapy qualification. For over 14 years, she served as a dedicated lecturer and researcher in Health at Deakin University. Her contributions extend beyond academia, having co-authored numerous scientific research papers and earned recognition through industry awards.
Sara's expertise spans various disciplines including Functional Nutritional Therapy, Gastrointestinal Healing, Nutritional Blood Chemistry, and more. Drawing upon her extensive knowledge, training, and experience, Sara supports female health practitioners, coaches, and wellness entrepreneurs. Her mission is to guide them in exploring their healing potential while avoiding burnout and embracing balance. Sara's approach nourishes the whole being, paving the way for vibrant health and exceptional client care.
