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It’s my birthday this week! What do I want? Mine and my family’s health and happiness, of course. What else? I wish for parents, teachers and coaches to become the best versions of themselves so they can lead our kids modeling the skills that we all need to succeed.
In my 20 years of working with children and teens, I’ve learned a few things that can help any parent, teacher and coach be their best. And surprisingly, I’ve learned them not from “the experts” but from making the leap from my own experiences on my yoga mat to my everyday life.
1. Listen. I mean it. Stop it with your coaching and teaching and parenting, and listen to your kids…with your FULL attention. That’s a tall order already, I know. If you want to connect and have any influence with your child, you must listen to them. The way I learned to listen to body on my yoga mat is in silence. That’s when the body speaks.
2. Learn. When you listen, you will learn what matters to them. They will confide in you and they will consider your wishes when they make decisions — even when you are not there to hover (oops, I mean, help). When you know what matters to them, you stay significant to them. I learned what matters most to me when I’m quiet in savanna at the end of yoga.
3. Lead. If you are successful in your listening and learning, you will be an effective leader. Your child learns from you…what you model. Model well. Be mindful of your behavior. As you know, they do what we DO, not what we say. I learned the limits of my body to help keep me safe. I also learned to expand my mind to “play the edge” so I can grow in my yoga practice.
Be the leader you want them to be. Is that one with ego or one with acceptance, support and love? Remember, the most important thing is you can do for a hurting world is to heal yourself. It’s not selfish - it affects all of us. Starting with our kids. Learn how to be your best in our upcoming in-person Warrior Training. I can’t wait to show you how.
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Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 8. We all know parenting is difficult. In fact, the surgeon general warns parenting can be hazardous to your health. Nearly half of parents are so stressed they struggle to function according to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's new report. Murthy believes there are measures our government (and bosses) could take that would lighten the load.
Who else can help? A new study identifies the one grandparent who has the biggest impact on kids well-being.
The Unique Role of Grandmothers: A recent study highlights that grandmothers, particularly maternal grandmothers, play a pivotal role in a child's life, especially for those who have experienced trauma. Their nurturing presence can have a lasting positive impact on a child's emotional and psychological resilience. This deep bond often becomes a source of strength, helping children navigate difficult times.
Yoga for Kids and Grandparents: Yoga can be an excellent way for grandparents to connect with their grandchildren while fostering emotional and physical well-being. The practice of yoga teaches children mindfulness, stress relief, and body awareness, all of which are essential for healthy development. Engaging in yoga together allows grandparents to share these benefits, creating a calm and supportive environment.
Combining Wisdom and Wellness: Incorporating yoga into the time grandparents spend with their grandchildren can enhance the nurturing influence that grandmothers provide. Through yoga, grandparents can help children develop coping mechanisms, enhance their physical health, and build a stronger emotional bond. This combination of wisdom and wellness offers a holistic approach to nurturing a child’s growth and resilience, particularly in challenging times.
Grandparents, especially grandmothers, are crucial figures in a child’s life, offering love and stability that can help heal emotional wounds. By introducing yoga into their routine, grandparents can further support their grandchildren’s overall well-being, making their impact even more profound and long-lasting.
If you want to have a stronger bond between your parents and your children, get Warrior Training to bridge the generational gap. We’ll show you how starting September 28.
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Summer camps end this week. As the summer days begin to wane, there’s a unique opportunity to savor the season's final moments. This time of year often brings a mix of emotions—eagerness for the structured days ahead, but also a yearning to hold onto the leisurely pace of summer. Two recent reports offer refreshing insights that can help us make the most of these remaining days: it’s okay to let kids get bored, and there are significant downsides to perfectionism.
The Gift of Boredom
A surprising report (by the NY Times) suggests that allowing kids to experience boredom can be beneficial. In a world where children are often scheduled to the minute with activities and entertainment, boredom can actually spark creativity and self-discovery. It encourages them to use their imagination, engage in unstructured play, and find joy in simple pleasures. As summer winds down, we can embrace this philosophy by giving our children the freedom to explore their surroundings and interests without a rigid agenda. This unstructured time can lead to unexpected adventures and cherished memories.
The Pitfalls of Perfectionism
Another insightful report highlights the downsides of perfectionism. The relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. As summer ends, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the importance of embracing imperfections. Let go of the pressure to make every moment picture-perfect. Instead, focus on the joy of the present—whether it’s a slightly burnt marshmallow at a campfire, a messy but fun art project, or a spontaneous day at the beach. By releasing the need for perfection, we open ourselves to more genuine and fulfilling experiences.
Embracing the Season’s End
As we savor the last of summer, let’s take these lessons to heart. Allowing kids to be bored can unlock their creativity, while letting go of perfectionism can bring more peace and enjoyment to our lives. Plan a few more relaxed family outings, including yoga, and leave some days unscheduled, and relish the simple pleasures that summer offers. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon in the park, a picnic with friends, or a quiet evening watching the sunset, these moments can become the highlights of the season.
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In today's digital age, social media plays a significant role in the lives of teenagers. However, this widespread use is not without its drawbacks. According to a 2022 Pew Research survey, nearly one-third of American teens believe that social media has had mostly negative effects on their peers. Concerns about online safety, privacy, and the potential for abuse and exploitation have led to increased scrutiny and calls for regulation.
Bipartisan Legislation for Safety and Privacy
In response to these growing concerns, the Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation aimed at enforcing stricter safety and privacy rules for children and teenagers on social media and other tech platforms. This legislative package, a result of years of advocacy from lawmakers and parents, seeks to address the risks associated with social media use among minors.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
- Default Safety and Privacy Settings: Platforms would be required to set the highest privacy and safety settings by default for users under 17.
- Ban on Targeted Ads: The legislation would prohibit targeted advertising directed at kids and teens.
- Duty of Care: A central element of the package is the creation of a "duty of care" that obligates companies to protect minors from potential harms, including abuse and sexual exploitation.
What It Means
The passage of this package represents a significant bipartisan achievement in an otherwise deeply divided Congress, reflecting the widespread concern over the impact of social media on young people’s wellbeing. While the future of the legislation remains uncertain, its approval underscores a critical acknowledgment of the need for updated digital privacy and safety laws.
The move towards stricter regulations highlights a collective effort to safeguard the younger generation from the adverse effects of social media, ensuring a safer and more secure online environment for children and teens. As the legislative process continues, the commitment to protecting minors online remains a priority for both lawmakers and parents alike.
Want to fortify your kids’ physical and mental health? Enroll in yoga or get certified in your area. Kids need you now more than ever.