Meditation comes naturally for children once they are introduced to it. They are much more connected to this present state than us adults. One of my 7-year old Super Yogis kids said, “Yoga feels like I’m going home. Yoga is very peaceful.” She is right. Meditation is one of the tools taught in Yoga in order to help calm down the mind and stay relaxed.
Unfortunately, children are now feeling higher levels of stress in their bodies which could be partly due to the chemicals in the foods they eat, higher divorce rates with unstable family life, an education system that’s pushing them too hard too early, and the constant external stimulus from the internet and technological devices. The higher stress levels are usually enhanced by diagnosing these children with a “problem” labeled ADHD from when they are young making them take addictive “quick fix” pills which make the child have insecurity issues and doubt themselves. According to the website linked above, “symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity).” The name itself, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is the definition of a normal child. Children are meant to be hyper, excited, energetic and create a bit of healthy chaos – otherwise we would all be robots and never evolve. If this would have been a popular “disorder” back in my day then I would have been the poster child for ADHD. You can ask anyone that knew me back then – I was intense. Maybe I’m still a little intense, but not in the same way.
The truth is that our children are merely a product of their surroundings and have not been given many tools or life skills to regroup and reconnect for themselves.
This is where meditation comes in – instead of medication. Meditation can help all of these “symptoms of ADHD.” Teaching children how to meditate and go inwards can help them get grounded and calm down their fluctuating moods and behaviors. As emotional roller coasters, children often feel misunderstood, judged and outcast from their parents, teachers and peers. Giving them meditation as a practice will help them to understand and cope with their emotions better. These skills will empower them and boost their self-esteem in order to help them study better at home and interact with others better in school. Thus, establishing a more peaceful and happy environment.
Parents can also practice meditation with their children in order to cultivate a nurturing and supportive space. In fact, if parents learn the techniques with the children, when the child is acting out, the parent can suggest the child to use one of the meditative techniques to control themselves instead of resorting to scolding or getting angry themselves. It can help the whole family become closer and have healthier tools to turn to in times of need. Especially parents who need some space for centering and calming as well.
I have seen first hand how meditation can help children. One 8-year old boy who used to have anger issues came to our Super Yogis Schoolhouse program. He would speak really loudly and would get easily frustrated. By the end of the program, he would sit cross-legged and chant “OMMMM” on his own when he would felt he needed it. His mom even asked him after class, “What are you going to do at home when you start to get angry?” And without hesitation, he sat down, took a few breaths and chanted “OMMMMM” quietly. I was overjoyed with gratitude by being able to provide this child with a tool to help him on a daily basis.
One meditation technique we teach our Super Yogis Kids is counting their deep breaths from one to ten and starting over, repeating that cycle three to five times. This helps them focus on something and stick with it for a period of time. Teaching them Buddha Belly Breathing is also helpful so that they learn from a young age how to take deep, diaphragmatic breaths. In addition, we teach the Super Yogis how to repeat an affirmation that is helpful to them to stay positive. An affirmation could be “I love myself,” “I am happy,” “Peace within me,” etc. We repeat the phrase at least 10 times in order to help them use it when they are feeling sad or angry.
All of these meditation techniques are done while the child is sitting ideally on the floor cross-legged, eyes closed and with a straight, long spine. We add the element of fun of course, because a child isn’t a true child if they aren’t full of life and joy. ☺
These techniques will ideally be carried into later years like high school, college and adulthood inspiring a well-balanced and mature individual who has taken learning, healing and life into his/her own hands. It’s a win-win-win for parent, child and society!
Let’s help our children help themselves and give them the quality they and we deserve!
Namaste’ Every Day! – Rina
