Siya Daryani: Breathing Through The Chaos of Parenting
Through tears, tantrums, and meltdowns, these simple breathing techniques can help parents and kids find calm together
Parenting can feel like a whirlwind emotional storms, so finding a simple, effective tool to bring calm may feel elusive. Yet, one such tool is always available: our breath.
Siya Daryani, founder of Empowered by Siya, emphasizes the transformative power of conscious breathing. “In breathwork, we bring our attention to the breath and use techniques like rhythmic breathing, where you consciously count your inhales and exhales,” she explains. This practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling the body to relax and giving us the space to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
As a fashion stylist, empowerment coach, and healer, Siya is also fondly called a “lifestylist” by friends and clients, as she helps guide transformation—from the inside and out! She elaborates, “What happens is that you switch on the parasympathetic nervous system, where your mind relaxes, feels safe, and calms down, giving you the opportunity to better understand the situation. It helps you respond instead of react.”
A devoted mom herself to twin “dragons,” Siya’s unique approach, Empowered, is a rich blend of life experiences with deep compassion and a focus on empowerment.
The Science Behind The Breath
Physiologically, many people unknowingly breathe through their mouths, taking shallow breaths that only reach the chest.
This restricts oxygen intake to about 30%, depriving the body of what it needs to function optimally. According to Siya, this limited breathing increases oxidative stress and prevents oxygen from efficiently reaching cells and tissues.
“Your breath mirrors your mind. When you’re stressed or overwhelmed, your breath becomes shallow and erratic,” she says. Breathwork helps restore that rhythm, bringing the nervous system back into balance.
What makes breathwork so valuable is its simplicity, accessibility, and cost: it’s always free, even in the middle of a meltdown. “It’s such a beautiful, free tool that we all have at our disposal, yet somehow, we overlook it,” she reminds us gently.
Why Breathwork Works for Kids
At its core, breathwork involves taking conscious control of your breath—slowing it down, deepening it, and sometimes counting inhales and exhales to regulate the rhythm. When practiced correctly, it activates the body’s “rest and digest” mode, reducing cortisol levels and signaling safety to the brain.
In contrast, shallow chest breathing can lead to dizziness, anxiety, or panic attacks by expelling an excess of carbon dioxide.
Siya’s own journey with breathwork came after exploring various healing modalities. “I’ve tried many tools. They all work, but breathwork stood out because of how quick and accessible it is,” she shares.
Her decision to take the instructor course stemmed from her desire to empower her clients. “They couldn’t say, ‘I don’t know how to breathe’—because this is something everyone can do.”
A Kinder, Calmer World
The idea to bring breathwork to children began within Siya’s breathwork community. It deeply and immediately resonated with her.
“These kids are the future of our world. If we can give them something to anchor them in chaos, imagine what a kinder, calmer world this would be,” she reflects.
Even one minute of simply observing the breath—without trying to change it—can make a difference. Conscious breathing brings intention and awareness into the moment. For children, this can be a game-changer, helping them feel safe, calm, and grounded.
Real-Life Transformations
Siya has seen firsthand how conscious breathing can help with emotional and behavioral challenges. Many children today face anxiety, low self-esteem, bullying, ADHD, and even immune-related issues. Breathwork offers both physical and emotional benefits that significantly improve well-being.
Deep breathing enhances oxygen absorption, reduces oxidative stress, and supports vital organs. It strengthens the heart, boosts the immune system, and aids digestion. Emotionally, it improves attention, self-control, and confidence. Siya notes that kids who practice regularly often perform better in school and show reduced signs of stress.
She shares personal success stories: one child with chronic body aches, fainting spells, and gut issues improved significantly within a few months through breathwork, healing, and coaching. Another child, experiencing anxiety and frequent headaches, found relief with a color-based breathing technique—without any formal sessions, just breathwork and healing with the mother. Siya has discovered that sometimes, just working with the parent shifts the child’s energy. “It’s all connected,” Siya says.
Parents Lead The Way
Parents benefit from breathwork not only for their own peace of mind but also because children mirror what they see.
Siya recommends starting with just five to ten minutes of daily rhythmic breathing. A technique like inhaling for four counts and exhaling for eight can be grounding during high-stress moments.
Introducing breath awareness can begin as early as age three. For younger children, integrate breathwork into routines with games and storytelling. As they grow, adapt the techniques to match their developmental stage.
Ultimately, breathwork isn’t just a calming exercise—it’s a tool for lifelong empowerment. As Siya says, “Even if you’re not around, your child will know how to come back to their center.”
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