Using The BOUNCE Approach®
What’s happening
- Anxiety is a normal emotion, but for some children it becomes overwhelming, interfering with daily life.
- The RAIN technique (Tara Brach, 2012) is a mindfulness-based approach that helps children face difficult emotions with curiosity and compassion.
- RAIN stands for:
- Recognise — notice the emotion without judgement.
- Accept — allow it to be there, instead of pushing it away.
- Investigate — explore with curiosity and compassion.
- Nurture — offer kindness and self-support.
- Energy battery impact: by making space for emotions instead of fighting them, children save energy and build resilience.
The BOUNCE Approach®
🖤 B — Body and Nervous System (Inside Tool)
- Begin by noticing body signals (tight chest, butterflies, shaky hands).
- Pair RAIN with grounding (breathing, stretching) to help children feel safe.
❤️ O — Openness to Connection and Attachment (In-Between Tool)
- Sit alongside the child, modelling calm presence.
- Use co-regulation: “I’ll do this with you” rather than leaving them alone.
🧡 U — Understanding Sensory Differences (Outside Tool)
- Create a quiet, low-stimulation space for the exercise.
- Offer sensory aids (weighted cushion, soft toy) during practice.
💚 N — Navigating Emotions (Inside Tool)
- Guide reflection: “What is this feeling trying to tell us?”
- Use parts language: “A part of you feels scared right now — let’s listen to it kindly.”
💙 C — Connection to Self and Others (In-Between Tool)
- Share your own experiences of using RAIN to normalise it.
- Encourage children to tell a trusted adult which part of RAIN helps them most.
💜 E — Esteem and Identity (Inside Tool)
- Affirm: “Noticing and naming your feelings takes strength.”
- Build a value statement: “I can feel my feelings and still be safe.”
Adult Focus:
- The RAIN technique is about allowing, not fixing. Avoid rushing children through it.
- Practice regularly in calm moments, not only during anxiety spikes.
- Be patient — it takes time for children to integrate mindfulness tools.
Next Steps
- Explore further learning:
- Mindfulness — gentle, accessible ways to support children with overwhelm.
- Grounding Techniques — polyvagal-informed tools for managing arousal.
- Drawing Feelings — creative ways to Investigate and Nurture emotions.
- Family Coaching: Learn how to guide your child through RAIN at home, adapting the steps for age and communication style. Click here
- Join the Learning Portal: Access 80+ trainings and printable resources, including mindfulness-based activities for emotional regulation. Click here
