Peter Levine’s Somatic Tools to Help Kids Feel Safe and Resilient
During stressful times, children often sense more than we realize. Even if they don’t fully understand what’s happening, they pick up on the anxiety, fear, and overwhelm of the adults around them. Without clear support, this can leave them feeling frightened, confused, or sad.
I recently listened to a powerful interview with Peter Levine, PhD, the founder of Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Dr. Maggie Kline, Senior SE Faculty Member, psychotherapist, and retired school psychologist. In this 45-minute discussion, they shared simple, science-backed tools that caregivers and Somatic Experiencing practitioners can use to support children right now.
You can access the full interview here.
Why Kids React Differently to Stress
When adults face external threats, we often move into fight, flight, or, even when overwhelmed, collapse. But children can’t simply fight or flee. Their biology drives them to seek safety through attachment, turning toward parents or caregivers for grounding and reassurance.
That’s why it’s so important for adults to first regulate themselves. When we balance and ground, we not only soothe our own nervous system but also prevent passing our anxiety onto kids. Children feel safer when they know:
-
They are protected.
-
They can express their feelings without judgment.
-
Their caregivers are present, calm, and reliable.
Somatic Practices for Parents and Kids
Peter Levine suggests weaving everyday activities into family life to restore safety and resilience:
-
Storytelling – Make up stories together to spark imagination and connection.
-
Movement and Play – Dance, sing, cook, or exercise as a family.
-
Nature Walks – Time outdoors helps regulate both body and mind.
-
Deep Listening – Give kids space to share their feelings and be heard.
-
Laughter – A natural way for children to release stress and return to creativity and joy.
These simple practices remind kids that they are safe and supported, while also strengthening their natural resilience.
Somatic Experiencing Exercises
For both adults and kids, SE offers practical tools to reset the nervous system:
-
8-Minute Video: Peter Levine guides adults through grounding practices to reduce fear and panic. [Click here to access it.]
-
5-Minute Video: Designed specifically for children, this video shares playful yet effective SE exercises. [Watch it here.]
Even just a few minutes of these practices can shift the body out of survival mode and back into a state of ease.
The truth is, resilience isn’t about avoiding stress, it’s about learning how to return to balance. By grounding ourselves and using Somatic Experiencing tools, we give children the gift of safety, creativity, and confidence.
✨ Keep well, nourish yourself, and seek out daily moments of joy. Your regulation is their regulation.
If you would like more support with you or your child’s nervous system regulation, feel free to book a one-on-one session here.
To enjoy one of my guided meditations, including binaural beats, to calm your nervous system, please click here.
