This bilateral tapping technique is used globally in child therapy to interrupt emotional flooding. It takes 2 minutes, looks like a self-hug, and children can do it entirely on their own once they've learned it.

How to do it

1Show them: cross both arms over the chest, hands resting on the upper arms or shoulders.
2Tap left, then right, alternating slowly. Like wings. No hurry to establish the rhythm.
3Breathe steadily while you tap. Invite them to close their eyes if they want.
4Keep going for a minute or two. Let the tapping do what words can't.

Variations

If they won't cross their arms, suggest they just tap their own shoulders — the bilateral motion is what matters.
Let them tap for a minute or two. When they stop on their own, they're done. No announcement needed.

💡 Parent tip

Teach this during a calm moment, not mid-crisis. Once they know how to do it, they can use it entirely on their own. No adult required.

What your child develops

Emotional regulation through bilateral stimulation — the same mechanism used in EMDR therapy
Somatic self-awareness — noticing the body calming
A fully independent self-calming tool usable in any situation: classroom, playground, before a test