Help Your Child Find The Quiet Within

Most parents of young children would like them to enjoy afterschool activities that help them to become well rounded.

Karate is a very popular extracurricular choice. But while it is supposed to be about listening and developing self-control, it often involves violent sparring and is goal oriented, focused on victories and level of achievement.

Many computer games are also violent and goal oriented. Children today are bombarded with external stimuli from cell phones, and other electronic devices. They live in a world of noise and competition. Today, we have to teach our children how to get in touch with their own creativity and inner sense of peace.

Children’s lives tend to be over-booked with activities, many of which are violent and unrewarding. It is important to slow them down, so they can enjoy less structure and more imaginative play. 

You might find this surprising, but to relax and center young children. Yoga is an ancient practice.  It helps teach new ways of going inside oneself to find peace and happiness. There is no competition, no comparisons. It has been known to help childhood anxiety, hyperactivity, problems with sleep, and the other childhood problems.

There are now Yoga classes for every age group. Children of two to four engage in imaginary play. They role-play different animals and make different sounds. Slightly older children are capable of learning basic Yoga poses (asanas), along with breathing, stretching, and simple postures. 

Yoga is also something we can do with our children.  Not only are there are classes for parents and children, you can make yoga a part of your family routine. When my son was young and couldn’t fall asleep, I would put on a chanting tape, and it would help him fall asleep, as if by mesmerizing him.

Doing Yoga along with a guided meditation or while listening to soothing music can be a wonderful ending to a hectic day. Being able to disconnect from all the noise and return to quiet is what we all need, especially our children. Yoga is full of wonderful benefits. Bring your child and yourself into this peaceful, joyful and magical world called THE PRESENT.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker/ Psychotherapist practicing locally, and have been in private practice since 1990.  I treat Individuals and couples. Feel free to contact me at juneburstein@gmail.com.