This toy was purchased by me for my work as a child and family therapist. In teaching relaxation to children this toy allows me to illustrate deep breathing with a fun visual aid that will keep the kids paying attention and allow them to place their hands on something at the same time. This is often important when teaching children. They tend to be easily distracted and uninterested in learning some of the skills that are needed for their  treatment. This toy expands out and I use this to talk about breathing in deeply and filling your lungs up with air. When breathing out the ball can then be contracted and go back to normal size. The kiddos are fascinated with the colors and how big it can get and it provides some sensory feedback and "hands on" work that I find is so helpful when engaging children in skill building. Even if it wasn't used for this purpose its very amusing and fun to look at and play with for all ages.