Using The BOUNCE Approach®
What’s happening
- The brain and body release natural “happy chemicals” that influence mood, motivation, stress, and connection.
- These include dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, and GABA.
- Supporting healthy regulation of these chemicals can help children feel calmer, more connected, and more resilient.
- Energy battery impact: when these chemicals are balanced, children recharge more easily and manage challenges with greater ease.
The BOUNCE Approach®
🖤 B — Body and Nervous System (Inside Tool)
- Encourage daily movement (walking, dancing, yoga) to release endorphins and dopamine.
- Build in regular sleep routines to support serotonin and GABA regulation.
❤️ O — Openness to Connection and Attachment (In-Between Tool)
- Use physical touch — hugs, high-fives, or cuddles — to release oxytocin.
- Spend quality time together, sharing laughter and kindness, to boost bonding hormones.
🧡 U — Understanding Sensory Differences (Outside Tool)
- Use calming sensory inputs like soothing music or massage to trigger endorphins and oxytocin.
- Ensure balanced nutrition (tryptophan-rich foods, omega-3s, magnesium, zinc) to support serotonin and dopamine production.
💚 N — Navigating Emotions (Inside Tool)
- Use gratitude practices (“3 good things”) to rewire attention towards positive emotions.
- Explore how emotions feel in the body and link them to brain chemistry: “When your tummy feels calm, serotonin might be helping.”
💙 C — Connection to Self and Others (In-Between Tool)
- Help children share what activities recharge their happy chemicals.
- Encourage group activities (games, creative projects) to release dopamine and oxytocin through collaboration.
💜 E — Esteem and Identity (Inside Tool)
- Affirm that recognising and caring for your brain chemistry is a strength, not a weakness.
- Celebrate self-advocacy when children ask for breaks, food, or connection to recharge.
Adult Focus:
- Caffeine, stress, and poor sleep can lower GABA, making anxiety harder to manage — be mindful of fizzy drinks and stimulants.
- Every child’s “happy chemical profile” is unique — notice what boosts their mood and energy.
- Use everyday routines (mealtimes, movement, sunlight, play) as natural ways to regulate chemistry.
Next Steps
- Explore further learning:
- Emotional Regulation + BOUNCE — linking brain states to regulation strategies.
- Mindfulness — gentle practices to boost serotonin and GABA.
- Drumming — rhythmic activity to trigger endorphins and regulate mood.
- Family Coaching: Learn how to build happy-chemical-friendly routines at home to reduce stress and boost resilience. Click here
- Join the Learning Portal: Access 80+ trainings and resources that turn neuroscience into practical, child-friendly regulation strategies. Click here
