high five

Have you and your child sit across from one another in a comfortable position. Raise one hand up as if you are high-fiving. But, instead of releasing hands, you will be pressing your right hand against their left hand, making sure your palms and fingers are flush. You will then place your free hands on your lower bellies. With your child, count to five silently, gently tapping his or her fingers in succession as you inhale (start with the thumb and move to the pinkie -- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). On your exhale, count backward from 5 to 1, tapping your child's fingers moving in the opposite direction. Your free hand should feel the breath coming in and going out the belly.

Do this a couple of times with each hand. This is a wonderful way to connect.