It definitely does work. My wife started me down this path before I even knew what it was. She always told me that children can sense your agitation even when you're hiding it. She definitely was and is right. I've found that if I'm irritated, and I'm holding my children, they don't become very soothed. And the more agitated they get, the more agitated I get, and before I know it, the whole situation is out of control. It's definitely best to breathe deep, stay calm, and talk your children through whatever it is they are caught up in. Keep doing what you're doing!