Did you know that children experience stress just as much as adults? Children as young as three years, can experience anxiety, fear, sadness, loss, etc., in connection with everyday occurrences around them. Today especially, our children pressured to compete and succeed intellectually and socially right from preschool. For this reason most children live in a state of constant stress. We, as adults are able to recognize our stress and seek outlets for stress relief, such as introspection, meditation, yoga, and prayer. But are we able to recognize stress in our children? Better yet, are we able to help our children learn to cope?
When we meditate, practice yoga, Qi Gung, or pray we are acknowledging a part of ourselves that needs replenishment in order to continue with life’s struggles. Children, being human, are no less in need of this replenishment than are adults. Children as young as three can be guided to learn more about themselves and find that solace that comes with self-awareness. Yes, children can learn to meditate for very short periods and practice mindfulness especially if they are given an opportunity to connect with nature.
A few minutes of quiet time outdoors before or after playing in the park or in the back yard suffices to bring a child’s internal compass to balance. It helps open the child up to the wonder of life which is very far removed from the daily societal pressures that we have created and live in, almost like mice on a wheel. One can also create a ritual of five to ten minutes of quiet time before bed to allow a child to ask and receive answers to questions that may be on his or her mind. These are very brief but extremely valuable moments for your child’s spirit. Try it and see the result for yourself!
Dr. Ifeoma Ikenze, MD
No comments:
Post a Comment