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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.

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It’s done. I dropped by youngest at college on Tuesday. He’s attending university on the opposite coast of where I now live and where he grew up. It was both daunting and delightful.

The college drop-off day is a significant milestone, marked by a whirlwind of emotions—pride, anxiety, excitement, and a touch of sadness. As I prepared for this big day, I realized that the skills I had honed through yoga played a crucial role in making this transition smoother for both my child and me. Here’s how yoga equipped us with the mental and emotional tools needed for this momentous occasion.

1. Mindfulness: Staying Present in the Moment

Yoga emphasizes mindfulness, the practice of being present in the moment without judgment. During the college drop-off, it’s easy to get caught up in a flood of future worries or past memories. However, mindfulness helped us savor the present moment. It allowed us to fully experience and cherish these final moments together.

2. Breath Control: Managing Anxiety and Stress

Pranayama, or breath control, helped both my child and me manage the stress and anxiety that naturally accompanied the college drop-off. Breathing exercises calmed our nerves, providing a sense of stability amidst the emotional turbulence. Whenever we felt the surge of emotions, we paused, took a few deep breaths, and found our calm.

3. Flexibility: Adapting to New Situations

Yoga teaches us to be flexible, physically and mentally. The college drop-off involves a lot of new experiences and unexpected changes—from navigating the campus to setting up the dorm room. Embracing the flexibility we cultivated in yoga, we approached each new situation with an open mind and a willingness to adapt for a smoother transition.

4. Strength: Building Emotional Resilience

Yoga builds both physical and emotional strength. The emotional resilience developed through regular practice was crucial during the college drop-off. It’s a time when both parents and children need to be strong — to handle the separation and the new challenges that lie ahead. The inner strength I developed through yoga helped me support my child while also taking care of my own emotional well-being.

5. Letting Go: Embracing Change and Growth

One of the profound lessons of yoga is the art of letting go. Whether it’s letting go of physical tension, negative thoughts, or emotional baggage, yoga teaches us that release is an essential part of growth. The college drop-off is a significant moment of letting go—of seeing your child step into their independence. Yoga helped me accept and embrace this change, understanding that letting go is a natural and beautiful part of life’s journey. The skills learned in yoga not only prepared me and my child for the emotional challenges but also enriched the experience, allowing us to approach this new chapter with grace. As we embark on this new journey, I am grateful for the profound lessons yoga has imparted, guiding us through one of life’s most significant transitions.

Being a Yoga Mom made me a better parent and my kid life-ready. You can do it too. I’ll show you how.