Yoga For Stressed Out Kids
The ancient art of yoga, often thought of as a new age adult coping mechanism for stress, is gaining popularity among today’s stressed out youth. More and more kids are taking a breather from their overbooked schedules and mounds of homework to calm down, breath and relax.
Child psychologist Dr. Laura Mee says that most parents don’t realize that the hectic pace of life today can cause some kids to feel an extreme amount of pressure and stress. "So they (kids) get that sense very early on that I have to rush, I have to hurry, from their parents, from the schedule that‘s set for them" says Mee. "I think sometimes that’s hard on little kids who need time to just relax."
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"I
like it because it relaxes me and it’s good for your body." |
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Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago. Its valuable use as a therapy for stress-related aliments has been added to its more traditional role of promoting inner peace and harmony in mind and body.
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Whether it is to de-stress, unwind, and work out anxious feelings, kids who do yoga, say it helps them feel more at ease. Six year-old Elliot likes the idea that he can do yoga anytime or any place. "(Yoga) is one of things that helps you let out stretch, I mean stress," says Elliot. "I like it because it relaxes me and it’s good for your body," says Elliot.
Nine year-old Emily has been in yoga for over a year. "Sometimes I have a fight and then, after yoga, I feel better," says Emily.
Experts sat as kids pass the age of 7 or 8, they learn to internalize their stress and therefore, developing coping skills to handle the stress can be helpful. "So teaching them yoga," says Mee. "...would be a great way to help them learn to take a deep breath, calm down, and focus."
Irene Craig, Elliot’s mother has seen a change in her rambunctious six-year old since he started taking yoga. "I see a change in him when he comes out of class and whenever he does the poses," says Craig. "I see a centeredness that maybe wasn’t there."
What
Parents Can Do
Child psychologist
Dr. Laura Mee offers these suggestions to parents:
Examine your lifestyle. Inventory the number of after school activities, sports teams or youth groups your kids belong to. Dr. Mee suggests that families make it their goal to devote one day of the weekend to time the family just spends together around the house.
Schedule downtime. Allow children to have time everyday to play in an unstructured fun way without any demands. A good time for this play is before or after dinner or after homework is completed.
Help your children cope. Teach kids how to internally cope with stress and work things out for themselves. When kids are toddlers they use blankets, thumb sucking or a hug from parents as coping strategies. Help older kids develop strategies to deal with stress. For example, self-imposed time-outs, stretching, or reading quietly.
Encourage healthy attitudes around exercise and fitness. Teach kids that being physically active is an important part of taking care of oneself. It is as important to good health as eating well and getting enough rest.
Participate together. Many YMCA’s and community centers offer parent-child classes. Call your local chapter to find information.
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Resources
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"A Child’s
Garden of Yoga," "Fly
Like a Butterfly: Yoga for Children," |
For
more information on parenting issues contact us: Connecting with Kids |