Screen-Free Summer
As I work through my first summer holiday in 30 years, no longer as a classroom teacher but now as a yoga teacher, I've noticed something interesting. Everywhere I go, I seem to encounter parents struggling with children who are arguing with their siblings, turning the summer holidays into a battle instead of the blissful family time they had hoped for.
I've also seen children having meltdowns in shops when their demands aren't met, leaving parents feeling exhausted and frustrated. At the same time, there has been a great deal in the news recently about the increase in children's, screen time and the resulting decline in their reading habits. Educationalists are noticing a decrease in children's ability to listen, concentrate and use their imaginations.
One recent study suggests that children who spend more time on screens during their early developmental years may be at risk of wide-ranging and long-term negative effects on both their health and quality of life.
So, what can you do instead of screens to keep your children occupied over the summer holidays?
Why Not Try Yoga?
Yoga offers so much more than physical exercise. While it certainly helps children develop strength, balance and flexibility, it can also support emotional wellbeing, improve concentration, build self-confidence and encourage independence.
Sounding good so far?
Yoga can help develop many of the skills children need in today's fast-paced world:
Do they expect everything immediately? Yoga can teach patience.
Do they want you to do everything for them? Yoga helps them discover what they can achieve independently.
Are they nervous about trying new things? Yoga gently introduces challenges while providing tools to manage them.
Do they struggle with change? Yoga helps create balance in both mind and body and builds resilience and mental flexibility.
More Than Just Yoga
A YogaWell FamilyYoga session offers even more.
As a former primary teacher with over 30 years of experience, I understand how important creativity, imagination and confidence are in a child's development. That's why my classes include activities that encourage children to be creative, imaginative and expressive in a safe environment where it's absolutely okay to wobble, make mistakes and try again.
Most importantly, we smile, laugh and have fun together while we move, breathe and relax.
If you haven't yet experienced a YogaWell Family Yoga session, I'd thoroughly recommend giving it a try.
Join Us at West Stow This August
We have three wonderful sessions coming up in the beautiful historic setting of West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village.
Over the next three Fridays in August, from 9:30am to 10:30am, you can join me and your children for an hour of fun, playful family yoga.
Together we will:Stretch and become archers in Stretch & Shoot
Explore breathing techniques and fly on dragon's wings in Dragon's Breath
Go on an exciting adventure with Viking Voyage
All equipment is provided. Simply bring your family, your imagination and a sense of adventure!
£15 per family for a fun-filled hour together.
You can find booking details here:
I hope to see you there!
Lyndsey
