4 year old deep breathing

I am a mother of a very well adjusted 4 year old little girl. No problems whatsoever. However, I took her with me to the dentist about 2 months ago and while I was there I experienced a panic attack which caused me to breathe deeply (short of hyperventilating). At the dentist she began to mimic me by breathing deeply and shallow in her chest. I told her to stop but at the time she seemed to be quite amused. My husband and I discussed it and he felt the best approach was to ignore her and let this "phase" run it's course. I, however, felt it should be dealt with, since I know that this kind of breathing can quickly become a habit. As I imagined, 2 months later, I catch her taking deep breaths with her mouth wide open. She has also asked me questions like, "Mommy how do I breathe" and when she is breathing normally, she laughs and tells us she's not breathing. My question is, what do I do? Is there anything? My fear is that she will develop a life long habit that she will never be able to break and consequently lead to panic attacks. Please help!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

She sounds like a bright little girl who has found one of mummy's buttons.  I would wait and it will pass.  When she starts the behaviour just calmly remind her of the "normal" way to breathe.  Don't give her too much of a reaction and she will soon tire of this when she realized she can't yank your chain.

I really don't think this alone could lead to panic attacks.  They are much more complicated then simple breathing habits.

I think she will be just fine.  Soon she will be in another annoying stage....


Ciel
Mom of PJ, 16
Josepsh, 3.5