Featured Guest, Author at Raising World Children

Books about Loss of a Loved One

We saw the Netflix film Over the Moon yesterday. It was very interesting culturally and concept wise since we got a sneak peak into a Chinese household, the terminology, the clothes, the food and more. It’s certainly well made, with great songs.

Concept wise it talks about death and moving on. Is it insensitive or hurtful to move on? How does one deal with it? It can be made synonymous with failure I suppose or at least that’s what the kids and I talked about.

Here is the book list that I collected from online about the topic of LOSS. Interesting reads for kids and parents to talk about a sensitive topic. Have you read any of these?

We will have a book on a similar topic coming up by Memory Germs soon. We hope to help kids understand the loss when within the family better.

Wishing those of you who have experience loss of any kind strength. Remember, what is lost is not ever forgotten.

OVER THE MOON

Twelve-year-old Mallie knows better than to dream. In Coal Top, you live the story you’re given: boys toil in the mines and girls work as servants. Mallie can’t bear the idea of that kind of life, but her family is counting on her wages to survive.

It wasn’t always this way. Before the Dust came, the people of Coal Top could weave starlight into cloth. They’d wear these dreaming clothes to sleep and wake up with the courage to seek adventure . . . or the peace to heal a broken heart. But now nothing can penetrate Coal Top’s blanket of sorrow.

So when Mallie is chosen for a dangerous competition in which daring (and ideally, orphaned) children train flying horses, she jumps at the chance. Maybe she’ll change her story. Maybe she’ll even find the magic she needs to dream again.

But the situation proves even more dangerous when Mallie uncovers a sinister mystery at the heart of Coal Top’s struggles — a mystery some powerful people will do anything to protect.

LOST

Lucy and her favorite stuffed animal, Lou, do everything together. While on a family cruise, the wind sweeps her stuffed animal off into the ocean where is lost forever. Join Lucy in a story about grief and loss, as she navigates moving forward while honoring her beloved stuffed animal.

This book helps to guide the start of a conversation about life, death, and the path to moving forward. The story discusses the ebb and flow of grief and the challenge of moving forward without losing the memories of who you lost.

The Invisible String

“That’s impossible,” said twins Jeremy & Liza after their Mom told them they’re all connected by this thing called an Invisible String. “What kind of string?” They asked with a puzzled look to which Mom replied, “An Invisible String made of love.” That’s where the story begins. A story that teaches of the tie that really binds. Moms (and Pops) feel the tug whenever kids give it; and kids feel the tug that comes right back: the Invisible String reaches from heart to heart. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach, anyway? Does it ever go away? Read all about it!

A Terrible Thing Happened

Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but soon something inside him started to bother him. He felt nervous for no reason. Sometimes his stomach hurt. He had bad dreams. And he started to feel angry and do mean things, which got him in trouble. Then he met Ms. Maple, who helped him talk about the terrible thing that he had tried to forget. Now Sherman is feeling much better. This gently told and tenderly illustrated story is for children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, including physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as floods or fire. An afterword by Sasha J. Mudlaff written for parents and other caregivers offers extensive suggestions for helping traumatized children, including a list of other sources that focus on specific events.

I Miss You

When a close friend or family member dies, it can be difficult for children to express their feelings. I Miss You helps boys and girls understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one’s death. Titles in the sensitively presented A First Look At series explore the dynamics of various relationships experienced by children of preschool through early school age. Kids are encouraged to understand personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing with them. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, these books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. The story lines are simple and direct–easily accessible to younger children.

I’ll Always Love You

“In this gentle, moving story, Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy progress happily through life together. One morning Elfie does not wake up. The family grieves and buries her. The watercolor illustrations, tender and warm in color and mood, suit the simple text perfectly.” – School Library Journal.

Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute

When we were on a No Girls Allowed! holiday, my daddy’s heart stopped beating and I had to find help all by myself. He was very badly broken. Not even the ambulance people could help him… This honest, sensitive and beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to help explain the concept of death to children aged 3+. Written in Alex’s own words, it is based on the real-life conversations that Elke Barber had with her then three-year-old son, Alex, after the sudden death of his father. The book provides reassurance and understanding to readers through clear and honest answers to the difficult questions that can follow the death of a loved one, and carries the invaluable message that it is okay to be sad, but it is okay to be happy, too.

Let’s Talk About When Someone Dies

From Molly Potter, best-selling author of How Are You Feeling Today? and What’s Worrying You?, comes a picture book for starting conversations with children about death, bereavement and what happens next. When someone dies, we can feel a whole host of different emotions and explaining them to a child isn’t so easy. This book uses clear, easy-to-understand language to answer complex questions about death and how a child might feel when someone dies. It covers all manner of tricky subjects with sensitivity and honesty, from what death is to why people die. Each double page spread takes a child through how they might feel, what they might think and how they might behave. With engaging illustrations, gentle guidance and simple advice for parents and carers, Let’s Talk About When Someone Dies fulfils an important but difficult need for starting conversations with children about death and bereavement, in an accessible and supportive way.

How To Inspire A Love of Creative Writing

The capacity for children to be creative is continually surprising – they’re always coming up with new ideas and inventions. Yet, encouraging them to translate these to the page is often a challenge, and once the pens come out, kids creativity seemingly dries up. Encouraging kids to write can be a challenge, but it’s incredibly important for their development and can set them up well for later life. We’ll explore why creative writing is so valuable for kids and how you can spark their inspiration.

The Value Of Writing

Writing Is A Practical Skill

When kids grow up, it’s likely that they’ll be required to write, at least a little, every day. “Without a strong command of writing even mundane daily tasks can become insurmountable challenges for kids later in life,” says Kirsten Hicks, educator at BOOM ESSAYS and State Of Writing. “Whether it’s filling out forms at the DMV or participating in email correspondence, writing is a big part of life.”

Writing Promotes Education

If your kids are struggling when it comes to creative writing, this can have a knock-on effect in other areas. Many exams require a written element and if kids are lacking in writing skills, then they’ll struggle to demonstrate their potential. Further down the line, your kids are going to need to write college application letters and personal statements. Preparing them early will help them get ahead when these challenges are looming.

Writing In Employment

Whatever career path your pupils take, it’s likely that writing will be a relevant part of it. The process of applying for a job and being brought on board by an HR team often involves writing on multiple levels, from resumes to applications to internal forms. There are so many roles these days that have an administrative element that writing becomes inescapable in the professional world.

Writing Promotes Communication

Taking time to write down your thoughts, feelings and emotions can help kids going through difficult transitions understand what they’re feeling and communicate better with the world around them. Often, the simple act of writing crystalizes something that was abstract before. This helps young people regulate their emotions and interact with the wider world.

Ways To Inspire

Writing is such a valuable skill for kids to develop, as we’ve seen above. Inspiring them to write can be a tough job, however. We’ll look at a few tips, tricks and games that can get them working on the page.

Create The Space

Creating a specific writing space in your classroom is a great way of indicating to kids that it’s time for some creative writing. This initiates a mental shift that helps them focus on the task at hand. This can be as simple as a single table set aside, covered in writing materials. Colored pens, various notebooks and other books for inspiration will get your pupils scribbling.

Showing Off

Kids love to see their hard work celebrated, so finding somewhere to showcase their writing will naturally encourage them to invest in it. A bulletin board on the wall can provide a space to pin kids’ work, sending the message that writing is of value.

Sharing Their Work

“If you have a digital blackboard installed in your classroom you’ll be able to bring your pupils’ work to the big screen,” says Clinton Martinez, writer at Write My Paper and EssayRoo. “Kids love to see their work shared in this way – it can help them inspire each other and even trigger collaborative efforts amongst the class.”

Writing Games

There are loads of writing games that challenge kids to combine their imagination and writing skills to produce a body of work. Kids can work together to write a story following a series of prompts. These can be incredibly simple, building a story by going back and forth between “fortunately…” and “unfortunately…” or more complex, introducing characters and prompting kids to produce dialogue with “he said…” and “she said…”

Wrapping Up

Writing is an essential skill for kids to learn, and as they keep practicing and encountering new challenges they’ll get better at it. Starting this process with younger kids instils the value of writing and demystifies it, enabling them to take part in more writing projects later in life. Teaching kids writing can be tough at first but with a few tweaks to your classroom you’ll have them inspired in no time.

Katherine Rundell is an educational writer at Essay Services and Academic Writing Services services. She has been teaching elementary age children in some capacity for over a decade and loves the constant surprises that kids’ creative minds throw up. She is also a proof-reader at Paper Fellows.

Empowering Girls AND Boys to be Durga

Diwali is almost knocking at the door. Navratri and Durga Puja are festivities that transcend the barriers of religion. It’s an expression of happiness, creativity, spirituality, and above all empowerment. But wait, did you want me to say empowerment of women/girls only? After all, that’s the stereotypical idea that has been associated with these festivals for aeons.

If we consider ourselves to be progressive, moved by information disseminated through the ever-evolving news mediums, we know by now empowerment is not the territory only for women or girls. Men and our little boys need empowering just as much.

Navratri, after all is the celebration of not only the triumph of female power but essentially of good over evil. During the days of Navratri, we celebrate the ‘gunas’ (the virtues); Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva that are prevalent in every human being. Our body is, essentially, a healthy amalgamation of all these gunas in the perfect balance.

Rajas Guna is the energy and passion that drives our life towards activity, the desire to achieve, be ambitious, and to strive ahead, the excess of which could subsequently bolster greed, selfishness, and self-pride. Tamas Guna on the other hand, symbolizes passivity and ignorance, too much of which almost leads to delusion and lethargy. And lastly, Sattva Guna is about being content, happy, being prudent, and poised. Our lives revolve around striking the right balance of all these virtues. Now tell me, are these attributes specific to any gender? Our little girls and boys – everyone needs to imbibe in themselves these traits and the onus is on us to teach them these, for building a well-rounded and grounded personality.

I ask, what does Durga mean to you?

For me, Durga is the embodiment of fearlessness, righteousness, decisiveness. When I was a little girl standing in a puja pandal looking at the Durga ‘Pratima’ (idol), awestruck by the fierce determination in her eyes, I had one question for my mother every year. What do I need to learn from her? Her words still ring in my ears, “You should learn to be passionate about your dreams, be resolute about what you think is right and stand up for that. If your ambitions call for delving into uncharted territories do not hesitate and come to the foreground and spring into action if a situation warrants so.”

Is that not what Devi Durga did? Emerging from the role of a consort of the Shakta (the god), the Shakti (the goddess) becomes the all-pervasive power on sensing danger. I don’t know if you did, but I was a child who was ever amazed at how a few idols had a benign expression and a few were rearing with rage. Mom to my rescue here too! She explained the Soumya roop (kind and happy posture) and Rudhra roop {anger posture} co-exists in the same person and it’s the healthy balance of the two that shapes a person.

These values and principles lay the foundation for the making of a resilient, independent, passionate, and conscientious identity. The need of the hour has always been to assimilate the morality and life lessons that the festivals of Navratri and Durga Puja teach us, and that’s irrespective of gender! All would agree, that these are the life fundamentals and we strive to inculcate these in our children.

Then, how is Durga only about women empowerment? Every little boy and girl out there should be empowered to steer through their battles being gutsy and graceful, be dynamic and spirited in leading their lives, imbibe the virtue of patience, empathy, and forgiveness. Just like our very own ‘Maa Durga.’

So every girl and boy, shout out loud, ‘I am a kind soul and a brave heart, I am Durga.’

Hey all, I am Ananya. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a Master’s in Strategic Communication in 2018 I took to freelancing. Currently, I freelance as a SEO Writer. Writing blogs on travel, lifestyle, wellness, and food is my jam though I would love to write a campaign critique on any given day! I write blogs, articles, and sales web copies for websites. And when I am not fretting over a delivery deadline or running errands, I am probably trying to keep up with my ‘always-so-energetic’ 5-year-old girl or indulging in a bit of self-love on the elliptical at Planet Fitness or arranging furniture around the house for my Instagram home decor page YellowPoppyLife. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a MBA in Marketing, from India.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Children

Many children, aged three and younger, experience separation anxiety. The term refers to a state of fear and nervousness. This occurs when a child is separated from their caregivers or parents. This is common and usually goes away. According to a study, if separation anxiety impacts children above 6 for over four weeks, they might have developed an anxiety disorder. This is a severe form of separation anxiety. It is estimated by a WebMD research that at least 4% to 10% of children experience a separation anxiety disorder. This statistical analysis includes boys and girls.

Read on to learn more about separation anxiety in children and how positive parenting can help children with their stress.

What is Separation Anxiety?

A lot of early anxiety in children aged three and less is normal! As children grow up and learn to steer the world and people, they need to be assured that everything is safe. This is why they cling to their caregivers and cry. It is their way of expressing their fear and telling them that they want to be comforted. Considering how young they are, it makes absolute sense. They do not know how to protect themselves. Naturally, they look up to their parents or caregivers for comfort and protection. They need their caregivers to respond to their call of distress and tell them that everything is fine.

What are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Children?

The first symptom of separation anxiety disorder, also known as SAD, is a refusal to sleep alone. In older children in grades 2 or 3, they might have repeated nightmares about being separated from their families. When children with separation and anxiety disorder see their parents or caregivers leaving home to run errands, they throw tantrums.

Public tantrums and crying are also common signs of separation anxiety. Their fear includes the possibility that their caregiver might leave them even when they are at home. Children who are going through this phase also worry that their caregiver or parents might not return home. They excessively worry about getting lost and refuse to go to school.

Children with separation anxiety often complain about stomach and headaches. They are fearful of being left alone, which causes muscle tension and physical aches. However, there is no need to panic. Most of the children get through this phase just fine. The anxiety can peak at different times and subsidize at others, causing parents and caregivers to stay at home.

Parents can be obliged to remain in the room if their children are crying. The best way to handle such a situation is with the use of encouragement and balanced validation. As a parent, you will want to teach your children that it is okay and capable of handling the separation. You might want to tell them that you are there for them and that they are strong and courageous enough to take a brief separation.

How Positive Parenting Can Help Reduce Separation Anxiety

When you start noticing the symptoms of separation anxiety, you can take the following steps to ease the process:

Positive Encouragement:

You can start to practice separation by leaving your child with a caregiver or babysitter for shorter periods. Doing so will help your child cope with a brief break by getting used to them. As you continue the brief separation practice, make sure to keep encouraging your child by gradually increasing the separation periods’ intervals.

In the case of toddlers and babies, ensure to schedule the separation periods after having fed them and after they have had their naps. This is because babies and toddlers are prone to experience separation anxiety when they are sleepy or hungry.

The Importance of a Goodbye Ritual:

This step applies to children of three years or older. Rituals are a sure way to generate reassurance. Goodbye rituals do not necessarily have to be complicated. A simple wave through the window can also work. The trick is to keep things short and to-the-point so that you can leave without making it a big deal. Going without stalling or turning it into a big deal is more uncomplicated. Your child will know that you will return and that everything is fine.

A successful goodbye ritual includes a promise that you can make to your child that you will return at a particular time. This will also boost your child’s confidence that they are brave enough to handle a short separation from you. Nonetheless, it is crucial to follow through with your promise and return at the promised time.

Keep Surroundings Familiar:

If you are hiring a babysitter to watch after your child during the separation period, make sure to keep the surroundings familiar. This will keep your child at ease. You can do so by asking the babysitter to come to your house and look after the child. When your child has to move to new surroundings, you can encourage them to take their favorite toy or a familiar object with them.

Canva - Photo of Family Sitting on Floor While Reading Book

Teaching Your Children the Importance of Morality

As a society we’re faced with a great many challenges. One of the aspects of our humanity that helps us to navigate challenges is a solid sense of morality. Wherever our morality is derived — whether from a personal set of ethics, social expectations, or religious doctrine — it tends to help guide our actions in ways we consider to be positive.

One of our responsibilities as parents, guardians, and mentors is to instil in the next generation a strong sense of values. That said, while subjects such as telling the truth may seem basic, knowing how to effectively teach morality to children is not always simple. The practicalities of morality in the real world can be laden with grey areas and subtle applications.

So, what’s the best approach to take when imparting ethical ideas to your children? What tools and devices can help strengthen this aspect of their character? How do we tackle the sometimes quite complex nature of morality?

Use Supportive Resources

Chances are, your first foray into teaching children about morality is simply telling them an act is right or wrong. However, they’re likely to follow this up with questions that might well be difficult to answer. Indeed, children may well find elements of these lessons difficult to grasp and retain, if they are just being lectured — this is difficult enough for us as adults! It’s certainly in your best interests to use resources that support the information you’re trying to impart.

Books will always be one of the most versatile and accessible tools at your disposal here. Certainly, there are books written around specific moral subject matter, and others present situations that raise questions of ethics. The key in either case is to seek out entertaining and informative stories. For younger children, pop-up books can be particularly effective because these books use images in a novel way that encourages engagement and interactions. The Color Monster is an excellent example of a pop-up book that uses interactive imagery to reinforce how our emotions affect us and our actions.

Alongside books, it’s also okay to use movies and TV shows as supportive resources. Build a book collection that allows you to respond to teachable moments. The point in either case is not to seek to have the resource do all the heavy lifting. Use them as conversation openers and examples. Ask your child how they thought a character should have acted and why, share with them your own takes about why an action was right, wrong, or in a grey area.

Incorporating Play

As any professional teacher will tell you, trying to keep kids’ attention on a subject by simply talking at them for any significant period of time is a recipe for disaster! They get bored easily, and are more likely to tune out from the great moral lesson you’re earnestly attempting to pass on. But this boredom can also serve a vital purpose. It gives them license to explore ideas, engage with more physical and creative activities, and grow as people. When the talking has begun to grow old, you can harness their boredom by incorporating activities that help solidify the lesson.

Role playing can be really useful here. Kids are often keen to act out their fantasies, and you could introduce scenarios that offer moral dilemmas or insights into behavior. Don’t make it dull or forced, but give your child a chance to see how situations can arise, and how to approach them.

For kids aged around 6 and over, table top role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons or No Thank You, Evil! provide a fun way to confront your children with difficult ethical situations, and talk through how and why their character is making certain decisions. Perhaps more importantly, they provide a safe forum to demonstrate what the consequences of immoral actions can be.

Sports have also long been an excellent medium of teaching children morality. We often use the term “good sportsmanship” when talking about conduct, but what we really mean is a moral and fair approach to our play. Sports provide us with a set of rules to observe, and you can use these to demonstrate how — just like in real life — they are not in place to restrict our enjoyment, but to ensure everybody gets an equal chance to thrive.

Lead by Example

Incorporating play and utilizing books are good routes into teaching children about morality. However, these pale in comparison with your influence as their parent. Children are always watching you, taking mental notes from your example on how to behave, and using it to inform their worldview. You can’t take a “do as I say, not as I do” approach to morality with kids; you have to walk the walk.

Obviously, this starts with paying close attention to the choices you make in their presence, and how your choices might be perceived by them or contradict your previous lessons. If you intend to hold them to a high moral standard, you must exhibit this yourself.

However, this doesn’t mean to say that you need to always act in a morally “perfect” manner. You’re human, after all! Involve your children in your ethical dilemmas, talk to them about events that have happened during the day, how you acted, and how you could have made better choices.

You can’t underestimate how important it is for your children to see you as an ethically flawed person. This shows that while it’s important to set high standards for ourselves, it’s also okay to fail as long as we learn from it. Invite them to let you know, when they think you’ve acted in a way that is contradictory to your lessons, and start a discussion.

This approach to morality encourages an open dialogue between you and your kids. They will have difficult moral issues themselves in the years to come, and they’ll feel more able to ask for help or guidance.

Conclusion

Our kids are taking their first steps into a world that is filled with moral dilemmas. It’s important to approach this difficult area in a way that both demonstrates practical application, and asserts that mistakes will be made. By teaching children about morality with a variety of tools, you can not only impart advice but also forge a stronger bond.

Jori Hamilton is an experienced writer living in the Northwestern U.S. She covers a wide range of subjects but takes a particular interest in covering topics related to child development, parenting, and health and wellness. To learn more about Jori, you can follow her on Twitter.

What Parents in the Digital Era Need to Know

As parents in this digital era, there’s no avoiding to digital technology. So the best you can do, when it comes to your kids, is navigate it with care, oversight, and lots of communication. For instance, focus on positive reinforcement for good behavior, as much or more as you penalize choices you’d rather they didn’t make.

Learn about the media your kids are consuming and the platforms they use, and make choices about when it’s better to share a good old-fashioned board game for family time, than to watch a movie.

Above all, remember that they are learning from you, so make sure you know enough to guide them through digital options and that you have your own habits in check. Here are some things to keep in mind as you make decisions.

There’s a limit to healthy screen time

There is so much media available online to help you teach your children about every topic imaginable. They can experience new countries and cultures through videos and photos, and they can learn about math and science via online programs. There are educational games galore and sites for creative expression, for all ages.

But being in front of a screen can have a negative effect on children. Excessive screen time has been linked to sleep loss and diminished fine motor development, as well as changed brain development (more on that later). And all screen time is not created equal: watching videos is less engaging than video chatting with grandparents, for instance. One removes opportunities for connection, while the other creates them.

Make sure you know what the guidelines are for your child’s age group and be discerning in what you set them up to do on a screen.

You’re a model, whether you intend to be or not

Observational learning, in which children behave as they see others behave, is an inherent part of childhood development. So it’s important that as you teach your kids how and when to engage with screens, you’re setting a good example. Otherwise, your message might not get through. Don’t want your kid to eat in front of a video?

Make sure the TV is off during meal time. Trying to make sure your child doesn’t get too attached to video games? You might need to check your own behavior and make sure you’re not spending a lot of time playing your own favorite game. Another way to model healthy behavior is to engage in screen activity with your kids, whether that’s watching TV or playing a game.

While doing this, you can talk with them about what they’re seeing and demonstrate good etiquette in playing games with others.

Tech use changes the brain

Screen time affects kids at every level: behavioral, physical, and neurological. A recent study used testing and MRI scans with 3-to 5-year-olds to investigate what effects screen time has on developing brains.

The researchers found that lower levels of literacy and language skills were associated with higher screen use, as well as lower “white matter integrity,” which refers to the brain’s communication network. And an organization concerned with children’s use of digital technology, 5Rights, discussed the issue of the addictive nature of games and apps that results in a reward loop involving dopamine to keep kids playing. This kind of neurological effect suggests that changes need to be made to game design, but as parents, you can interrupt it by limiting the amount of time your kids spend playing games and setting a schedule.

Kids need help

There’s no going back: digital technology is here to stay, and kids are going to want access no matter what you say. Instead of focusing on restrictions and limits, try finding the ways you want your kids to engage digitally and focus on those.

Teach them about related skills, such as empathy, which can prevent cyberbullying and lead to more positive online social interactions, and critical thinking, which can help them be more discerning in what they choose to consume. To support your children in building healthy screen time, you’ll need to get comfortable with these technologies and platforms yourself, which may not sound like an easy proposition. But you can use some of the same tools they do to learn how to navigate the digital world. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll be able to guide them.

With digital tools available everywhere, you need to be proactive in deciding when, how much, and with what your kids will engage. Remember that not all screen time is equal: some is more socially connecting, and some is more isolating. Do your own research about movies, apps, and games while deciding what you want to guide your children toward.

Morgen hails from the beautiful mountains of Utah. She writes about a variety of topics, from business to travel to technology. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her baking in the kitchen and traveling the globe. Check out more of her work at https://hendersonmorgend.contently.com/.

We All Have Sacred Spaces

When I received the book We all Have Sacred Spaces for review, I was extremely pleased as to it’s diverse nature. I am Hindu. But I visit churches, mosques and gurudwaras with the same reverence that I do any temple. This book, We All Have Sacred Spaces is a wonderful introduction to children around the world, for parents who don’t have access to visiting sacred places locally.

It was wonderful to get a glimpse into Buddhist temples and Jewish synagogues, which I have never been to.

The author has done a great job of representing cultures around the world through each aspect of the places of worship and the meaning behind them. I love how she has tried to incorporate so many religions. It makes it a wonderful resource for parents and teachers alike. When we want to teach our kids to build a world of joy together, we want them to know what they are accepting.

Also, the respect in one’s eyes for all these sacred places increases drastically once you understand the meaning behind what each one represents.

I specially loved the glossary behind the book to explain the many words in the book that may be unique to people who are unaware of what they mean.

This book is a great diversity and inclusion resource for multicultural families everywhere.

Ideal for kids aged 6 – 12 in my opinion.

Value based reading –

This book is sure to bring up some wonderful conversations with your children about how the world is different than us. You can download our diversity and inclusion activity book to help build more conversation around acceptance and anti racism.

ORDER YOUR BOOK NOW !

We All Have Sacred Spaces – Book Description

Ever wonder about the inside of an Islamic mosque or a Sikh gurdwara? Ever wonder what the first worship spaces were like? Do you know which religions usually require removing shoes or wearing head coverings? Travel around the world and explore the ins and outs of sacred spaces from seven of the world’s major faith traditions – all in one volume. The similarities and differences might surprise you!

About Rev. Dr. Vicki Michela

My absolute favorite activity is helping kids explore the beautiful places and profound practices associated with the world’s religions. It really is the perfect way to combine my training in cognitive development and my interfaith spiritual practice. Yep, I have a Ph.D. with dual specialties in neuroscience and cognitive development, and I worked as a Psychology professor at a small college outside of Asheville, NC for over a decade.

Then, I developed an interfaith Sunday School curriculum for kids age 3 through 8th grade at Jubilee Community Church, also in Asheville, and became an ordained Minister of Education a few years ago. Now, I enjoying sharing what I’ve learned with kids (and adults) of all ages! Our books are geared to families, teachers, and churches interested in improving religious literacy, promoting religious pluralism, and facilitating a deeper understanding of the world around us. Thanks for being a part of this amazing journey!

You can connect with the author below –

Website: Faith Seeker Kids

Linked In: Vicki Garlock

Social Media:

Twitter = @FaithSeekerKids

FB = FaithSeekerKids

Instagram = @FaithSeekerKids

Cyberbullying During Virtual Schooling

With most children across the country out of school full or part time due to the pandemic, parents should be able to rest easy, knowing that school bullies won’t be lurking in the hallway or at the lunch table.

But sadly, that’s not the case. Even though youth aren’t physically at school, bullying can still happen. This year, they’ll be on the other side of a computer. A click away at all times.

While new data has yet to offer insight into just how much cyberbullying has skyrocketed, parents of children who are remote learning are feeling the pain. Now, bullying has taken a shift to much more serious topics, including masks, coronavirus, politics and social justice.

With the changes 2020 has brought, one thing has remained constant: being bullied is a traumatic experience for kids. With these strategies, parents can provide comfort and support when they need it most.

Tell them they did the right thing.

Kids are often reluctant to report cyberbullying in fear they will lose their computer or device. Praise your child for coming to you, but resist the temptation to ban them from online access (which can also isolate your child from supportive friends online).

Validate their feelings.

Listen to your child, tell them you hear them and that the way they are feeling is completely understandable. Be an active participant in the conversation while also providing a shoulder to cry on.

Assure them it isn’t their fault.

There’s still a stigma attached to bullying that somehow a child brought it on themselves. Tell your child that under no circumstances did they choose to be targeted.

Remind your child that they are not alone.

Were you bullied as a child, or do you have friends or family who went through a similar situation? Articulate those stories to your child so they can see that unfortunately, they are not alone (but by no means does it make bullying right).

Restore their confidence.

Pick out some of your child’s best qualities and tell them how it makes them special. Above all, tell your child that they are loved, worthy and deserving of the best opportunities in life.

After supporting and comforting your child — the first and most important step — you can then work on putting an end to cyberbullying.

Put the cyberbully on block.

Work with your child to block any messages from the bully.

Document and save.

Collect evidence of bullying incidents by taking screenshots of hostile interactions.

Report the behaviour to your child’s school.

If the bullying situation involves classmates, let the teacher and/or administrator know. Most schools now include cyberbullying in their school’s code of conduct.

Flag the incident online.

Many school-related programs and apps have a safety page for ways to report and block another user for cyberbullying. You can also report the behaviour to your ISP.

Seek professional help if your child seems distressed or withdrawn.

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can have extreme consequences for your child. If you notice he or she is acting differently, contact a mental health provider.

While there is no “one size fits all” approach to talking to your child and taking action regarding cyberbullying, it’s best to keep the lines of communication open with your child so they feel comfortable coming to you for support and advice. School may look a little different right now, and so does bullying, but we can show our kids that it still isn’t okay — in any format.

First published on scarymommy.com

Lori Orlinsky is a multi award-winning children’s book author, freelance writer and marketing director who lives in Chicago. Lori is the mother of two little ladies who are small but mighty. Lori is certified by the CDC in Bullying Prevention and Response Training, and is an Ambassador for the National Bullying Prevention Center. At 5″1, she wishes her children’s picture book “Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All),” was around when she was growing up. Lori’s books are published by Mascot Books.

10 Ways to Build the Mother Daughter Connection

All mothers want to connect with their daughters as often as possible. Therefore, it’s important to have a special bond with your daughter – from her childhood to adult, and so on. Creating connective moments with your daughter will remind you to slow down and enjoy spending time with her, and just being there for her. Here are 10 ways you can build the mother daughter connection.

Make Eye Contact

“It’s important to give your daughter plenty of attention,” says Brooke Gutteridge, a relationship writer at Australia 2 write and Writemyx. “That means looking at them – making eye contact with them – as you talk to her, and interact with her.”

Laugh

It’s good to laugh every so often. So, why not do it with your daughter?

Laughter helps relieve stress and other storm clouds (i.e. arguing, dealing with conflict, etc.). Tell jokes or funny stories. Get silly. Laugh.

Snuggle Time

Sometimes, we all need to have a good snuggle. Therefore, snuggling with daughter can be magical, and can strengthen your bond with her.

Playful Responses

Sometimes, your daughter might complain or whine about something. Instead of snapping back at them, or getting annoying, why not try a playful response or two? Chances are, they’ll respond to those responses with the same attitude, thus winning them away from negativity.

Small Moments Matter

There’s a time-long saying that one should appreciate “the little things in life.” The same is true, when you spend time with your daughter. Whether it’s a good laugh, going to the mall with them, doing dishes with her, etc., all of that matters. Acknowledging these small moments can help you reconnect with your daughter, and to strengthen the mother-child bond.

Friendly Competition

Like playing games? You like a little competition? So does your daughter! So why not challenge her to minimal competition. Whether it’s playing a board game, having a pillow fight, or any other fun game. The ultimate goal is to have fun with your child.

Just Listen

Sometimes, your daughter will need your special attention. She might be going through something, but she’s afraid of how you might react to it.

Therefore, it’s important to be a good listener. Listen to what your daughter has to say, and stay cool about it. This allows her to release all the tension that she might be feeling, as she pours her heart out to you.

Be Supportive

As you become a good listener, you must also be supportive.

As her mother, you must be her anchor, and give her a warm loving spot to come and cry on. This tells her that her feelings are okay by you.

Let Her Teach You

“Many times, parents can learn from their children; you don’t have to be the only teacher in the home,” says Alexandra Brady, a lifestyle blogger at Brit student and Next coursework. “Therefore, every once in a while, do a little role reversal, so that she can show you some of the things and hobbies that see likes to see and do. This helps you build trust with each other. Before you know it, your daughter will be more open to showing you how to do certain things like putting on makeup, or how to work social media like Instagram.”

Show Affection

Affection is more than just kissing and hugging your daughter, you can spice things up in that department. Hugs and kisses in the morning, or when saying goodbye for school or work can make your daughter’s day. These kinds of physical affection lets her know how much you love her.

Conclusion

As you can tell by now, it’s essential for mothers to build a bond with their daughters. This special bond allows you to be in the loop, as your daughter grows up, and might have children of her own. Although every mother/daughter relationship may differ, it’s still important to make sure to keep that bond strong, because ultimately, mothers and daughters can be the best of friends, before anyone else. And, even if you have a busy schedule, there’s nothing wrong with setting aside time for your child, because chances are, she’ll thank you for it.

More ways to connect with your child here on our Magazine.

As you read through these 10 points, see which ones are right for you – reinvent some of these, if you’d like – and have fun with your daughter!

Michael Dehoyos is a writer and editor at Thesis writing service and Coursework writing service. He is also a contributing writer for various sites and publications such as Coursework help. As a content marketer, he helps hundreds of companies improve their marketing strategies and concepts.

Decorate Your Child’s Room for a Strong Identity

Every kid wants a room with personality. White walls, beige carpet, and a gray bedspread just won’t cut it. Your kids want a room that is fun, functional, and uniquely theirs. Setting up your kid’s bedroom decor with culture and their favorites can be a great way to bond with him or her (or them!)

Think about these ideas for making your kids’ rooms something that they’ll enjoy and love. It also helps a child build a stronger sense of identity and take ownership of their likes, dislikes, culture and more.

Go with a theme or use the below elements in the room to build empowerment.

Set up the bedroom decor by culture or likes.

Sports Central

If you’ve got a kid who loves everything with a ball, bat, or field, it’s easy to make a great bedroom that brings out that interest. If basketball tops your player’s list, it’s easy to find affordable laminate flooring to give the room a great court side look. Carpet in shades of brown and green will replicate outdoor playing surfaces.

Some pieces of PVC pipe painted yellow and cut lengthwise can be mounted to the wall to make goalposts. It’s also easy to create a putting green with a small elevated space made of plywood. A bench-style folding chair at the desk might make homework more enjoyable than it’s ever been.

Hollywood Glam

If you’re raising an aspiring actor, you can turn his or her room into a glitzy place to rest and play. A red carpet from the door to the bed is a must. You might even be able to simulate the Walk of Fame with gray hardwood and print stars with the names of family members, friends, and pets to scatter around for “tourists”.

Of course, no ordinary vanity will do. Classic big bulbs around it are the only way to get dressed in such a room, and your star also needs a nameplate on the door so that the little people know who they’re dropping in on.

The Rock n’ Roll Dream

Or maybe the pop dream, the country dream, or even the heavy metal dream. Musical kids love to immerse themselves in their chosen sound, whether they perform it themselves or just love being a fan. Any yard sale probably features old vinyl that can be used to decorate the walls. Foam egg carton soundproofing will make a great studio look for the kid who needs a little more cowbell.

No stage is lit up like an office, of course. You need a rainbow of colors, preferably one with full control for changing moods, so that the room can look like a stage. Just leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals.

Cultural Heritage Room

A great way to not only decorate your child’s bedroom but also show off your cultural heritage would be to decorate with patterns and colors that match where you are from. For example, if your family is from India you might decorate with a beautiful Mandala painting and fun bright fabrics. There are many ways to add this into your child’s bedroom decor whether they be small decorations or big ones. Decorating to celebrate their heritage is a great way for them to feel connected to their ancestors and their cultural history.

The Upstairs Library

Books are such an important part of learning. If your child loves to read, it’s easy to make a bedroom that fosters that educational effort. Built-in shelves up to the ceiling can provide lots of storage, and you can make a simple rolling ladder or stepstool (whichever is safer) to allow access to those highest selections.

It’s not enough just to store all those books, of course. Books are meant to be read, so a bedroom made for reading just makes sense. Make it an environment of imagination, with big canvas prints to inspire readers. You can find places to print large canvases in your area, for instance, if you live in Canada you can look for big canvas prints in Canada. Create several reading spots in the room–maybe a comfortable armchair here, a beanbag there. Make sure there’s plenty of lighting and that the furniture you choose encourages proper posture.

The Construction Zone

Some kids just love to build. Plastic, wood, or any other material, they don’t care. They’re constantly creating cityscapes, space stations, fantasy worlds, and frontier homesteads. This type of hobby is great for learning problem solving and motor skills, and what better way to feed that education than to support it with the room’s decor?

Construction toys usually take a good bit of room, so organize the furniture for maximum available floor space. Consider drawers located under the bed. A hard surface will also be necessary for all those buildings and vehicles. Walls can be painted to match different scenarios–sky blue for earthly buildings, a starry backdrop for space, and woodsy settings for adventure toys.

A child who is happy with his or her room will take better care of it, learn more, and feel involved in what happens in the home environment. These five themes are just the beginning. It’s easy to take stock of your child’s interests and launch a project to create a room that won’t just be for dreaming but also for making dreams come true.

More ways to help your child develop a strong sense of identity.

Virtual Learning Tips to Empower Children to Succeed

It was not long ago I was homeschooling my middle son for tennis. He struggled at first with homeschooling but we eventually found a groove that worked for both of us. The following tips are from two years of virtual learning with EPIC. And while I believe home-schooling and crisis online schooling are entirely different, they share many of the same foundational tenets.

It wasn’t until I empowered Kobe with the resources to succeed that he began the confidence building activities that will serve him for, I believe, life. Children naturally want to please and succeed, but they may not always know how. Giving them the freedom to take control of their day allows them to make mistakes and learn from them and eventually achieve success.

From my experience with Kobe, who loses focus quite a bit, I created the 3 Ps method – Prepared, Polite, Positive. All of the items listed below each tenet can be done by children ages 5 and up, with the exception of emailing.

Be Prepared

Charge my device.

Prepare Supplies and quiet workspace.

Dress properly.

Eat and use restroom prior to class.

Be early/Mute mic/Turn on camera

Be Polite

Eliminate distractions – iPhone, tablet, toys, food, drinks.

Turn off TV/radio

Move animals to another room.

Focus and listen

Raise my hand and wait my turn.

Be Positive.

Stay positive.

Use checklists or schedules to feel accomplished

Since older children may be required to attend online school for longer periods of time, special attention should be paid to eye health. For all ages, physical and mental states are very important to attend to, as well. Some advanced learning tips for older children include:

1.) Remember the 20-20-20 rule created by eye doctors for your eye health: Every 20 minutes, look up for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away.

2.) Make time for friends, even if it means seeing them virtually.

3.) Exercising daily will keep you very positive.

4.) Revisit your schedule. How did it work for you? Do you need to revise your plan?

5.) Self reflect on the experience learning from a distance. Look in the mirror; smile; say you are proud of yourself and pat yourself on the back.

6.) Share your learning with someone at home!

And I saved the best for last – online etiquette. Being polite involves focusing on the speaker as he or she is speaking. This involves 6 body parts and can be broken down to:

Ears are listening.
Eyes are looking.
Mouth is quiet.
Hands are still.
Body is facing the screen.
Brain is thinking

Online school may seem daunting at first, but remember that change is inevitable and adaptability is key to success.

For more information on Mary Nhin’s books, please visit eNinja or download the free Virtual School Success Cheat Sheet or Online Etiquette pdf.

Mary Nhin loves being the guinea pig for all her husband’s kitchen creations. She is a mom of 3 boys, life coach, and author of multiple best selling books. For 20 years, she has been serving families through her companies, Nhinja Sushi and Grow Grit. She has been awarded the Forty under 40 and Inc 5000. Visit marynhin.com for freebies, follow @marynhin on IG/FB, and email her your feedback at growgritpress@gmail.com

DOWNLOAD MARY’S LATEST BOOK e ninja TO HELP YOUR KIDS SEE FOR THEMSELVES THESE AMAZINGLY SIMPLE TIPS TO FOLLOW EVERY DAY!

Click here to access a complete list of comprehensive websites and educational resources to supplement virtual learning.

Extracurricular Activities That Impart Valuable Life Skills

Extracurricular activities are the activities done outside of class. They are essential because not all academic activities aim for all-round development. Through these activities, kids learn necessary life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.

The following are examples of extracurricular activities you should teach your kids.

Sports

Kids must involve themselves in sports because these activities teach them the importance of teamwork. Some sports teach kids how to strategize and how to be competitive. These types of games include tennis, football, rugby, etc.

Music

This involves singing and playing instruments. Kids may choose to specialize in one or both. Music plays a significant role when it comes to psychological and emotional development. It is also important because through music, kids learn more about culture and history.

Swimming

Letting your kids take swimming classes helps them be aware of personal safety and handle emergencies, which are essential life skills. This activity is also a great exercise that helps refine your kids’ movement skills.

Martial arts

Martial arts help your kids attain high self-confidence, discipline, and self-respect. They also learn how to protect themselves in dangerous situations as a way of self-defence.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding can be done for fun or as a sport in which you can compete. Letting your kids learn the art of horseback riding is vital because it boosts their memory and improves their problem-solving skills. German dressage horses or horses that are well trained for riding are best when your child is beginning horseback riding because such horses have balance and they are obedient.

Dance

Dance is an essential activity because it is an excellent way of expressing feelings. It builds confidence in such a way that children make mistakes, and they keep trying until they get it right. Dance requires a certain level of discipline, which helps your child developmentally and physically.

Cooking

Cooking is a crucial life skill. At some point in life, kids will become independent, and so they need this skill. Through the following of recipes, kids learn the importance of communication and togetherness.

Sewing

It is crucial that kids learn how to sew when growing up because some of them want to be fashion designers when they grow up, and this is the first step of achieving their dreams. Sewing builds your child’s confidence and self-esteem and helps improve their creative abilities.

In conclusion, all work with no play makes children dull. Children’s extracurricular activities help improve what your kids have already learned in class. Extracurricular activities also contribute greatly when it comes to your child’s decision making because it helps in advancing children’s minds.

Travel, Learn and See Your Friends

Promote diversity, learn mandarin and be entertained with a wonderful story. This is what this book is bringing to your home. We certainly simply enjoyed reading this book together figuring out things along the way. You will know what I’m talking about when you get this wonderful book for your kids.

The book interestingly talks about all aspects of diversity in simple ways, like food, connecting with people, the family itself in many subtle and obvious ways.

How friends can work together to solve problems and the importance of learning a new language and how it enriches us all.

This is one of the first books that was so fascinating for me to open, more than my kids. The bilingual aspect of it, makes it perfect for us to share with the world.

The illustrations are so vivid and bright. I love that it took us on a little trip to a part of the world, we will possibly not see. We also learned a bit about a new language. Books in multilingual languages seems to be a new trend and we are certainly loving it.

The story takes us through experience of Dean and Ethan, learning a new language, growing to be friends who use creative thinking. A must read for all little kids. I believe ideal for kids aged 6+

This would make a great step into early chapter reading since it’s quite a big book for the kids to do over. My daughter specially had a fascination for the Mandarin Chinese on every page. Though, we wish a glossary was given so could understand it also. But the book is a wonderful starting point for sure.

Description per the author –

Written in English and Mandarin (Simplified Chinese & Pin Yin), Travel, Learn and See your friends 走学看朋友 is a story about two first-graders attending a Mandarin Immersion school. Dean and Ethan become fast friends. Dean is ethnically Chinese, and his reasons for learning Mandarin are more cultural. Ethan is an African-American and through his language journey, he learns about himself, his family, and the world. TLSee your Friends is an illustrated story book written in English, Simplified Chinese, and Pin Yin. This bilingual book is targeted at Mandarin Immersion students, but can be read by non-native speakers of Chinese.

About the author –

Edna is a physician anesthesiologist and mom, who was motivated to write a bilingual Chinese children’s book, inspired by her son’s friendship.

Although she is not a native speaker of Mandarin, she wanted to read to her children in Mandarin. She found a limited selection of books for this age group so she created them. These stories include English and Mandarin with pin yin to facilitate different reading levels.

SNEAK PEAK INTO THE BOOK

Grab the books by the author below –

Book Description –

About the Author:

Edna is a physician anesthesiologist and mom, who was motivated to write a bilingual Chinese children’s book, inspired by her son’s friendship after he enrolled in a Mandarin immersion school. Although she is not a native speaker of Mandarin, she wanted to read to her children in Mandarin. She found a limited selection of books for this age group. So she created these stories to include English and Mandarin with pin yin, to facilitate different reading levels. Her stories celebrate friendship and cultural diversity. When she’s not in the operating room, she enjoys traveling with her family. You may have seen her on either SURVIVOR or Shark Tank.

You can follow the author and all her work on her website here.

Discover her adventures on Twitter or Instagram both @EdnaMaMD.

Cropped shot of three happy students talking on the street

5 Things You Should Encourage Your Child to Try in College

You want your daughter or son to gain more than a degree. As you try to ensure your child receives a well-rounded education, you need to make sure they’re taking on new experiences. Check out this list.

Here are the five things that your child could enjoy while in college. Encourage them to try one or more of these suggestions. Any of these activities could be perfect for your daughter or son.

1. A Part-Time Job

If your child hasn’t worked a job before, now would be the time for you to possibly suggest it. Have them check with their school. Know that there likely are jobs that will work with their class schedule. If you two can’t locate the desired position on campus, you still have options.

Popular part-time jobs for your kid to consider are bartending or waiting tables. Retailers likely have schedules conducive to your child’s classload, too. Finally, think about companies that hire people with their major. Even if the business only wants to give your child an unpaid internship, realize that the experience could be very valuable for them.

2. Studying Abroad

When you encourage them to broaden their horizons through travel, you will create a more experienced and well-rounded adult. Your daughter or son will better value different cultures. Add their coursework into their travels, and you have even more reason to facilitate this activity. Also, your kid will create magical memories to carry with them through their life. If you’re worried about paying for this, you can locate financial assistance.

For those of you who are worried about their safety, understand that every year college students take off for study abroad programs. Say your child wants to study in Canada. You can utilize the services of a credentialed company whose goal is to prepare your kid for success.

3. New Friendships

Also, encourage your child to meet a lot of new people from various walks of life. Let them know that college is a wonderful time to forge new friendships. Remind them that adults of all ages, too, can become new friends.

Make sure they are getting to know their professors beyond their coursework. Some instructors will invite their class out for a happy hour. If your kid is 21, then you should be okay with this. Be certain that your child is establishing relationships with the right people in their major of study to facilitate internships and to serve as references for their post-college job application materials.

Your daughter or son also should be networking within various organizations on campus and in their community.

4. Fraternities and Sororities

Have you and your child ever discussed the benefits of joining a Greek organization on campus? Did you know that some of the most successful people in the world belong to fraternities and sororities? Brad Pitt, Carrie Underwood, Matthew McConaughey, and the late Dr. Maya Angelou are a few names that might ring a bell for you.

If you’re worried about their grades slipping, know this. Pretty much all of your Greek organizations require certain academic standards. While a pledge and before being initiated, your child will have to attend designated studying sessions to make sure their grades won’t take. Not only will your kid have to maintain certain grades, but you also might appreciate that they have to participate in various community service projects.

5. Volunteering

Fraternities and sororities aren’t the only organizations where your child can volunteer for causes. Usually, in their major, your kid has clubs they can join. All across campus, too, you should know they have opportunities.

Ask them to go into their school’s student activity center. Tell them to see what needs there are. In the community where your daughter or son’s school is located, there also should be opportunities for you two to consider.

Five Great Ideas for Your College-Age Kid

Any of these aforementioned suggestions could be perfect for your child. Why don’t you send this over to them to see what they think? Remind them it’s important to gain more than their degree.

Best wishes to your child’s success. Go with one or more of these recommendations to help steer them in the right direction. Don’t give up until you find something they will enjoy.

Nine Questions About Yoga Answered

As Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist for children and young adults, I get asked a lot of questions around yoga. And I believe that there are no stupid questions at all, each question brings us closer to the truth. Today I wanted to share some of the yoga stereotypes I have been asked the most, and my interpretation of them.

Is Yoga a religion?

Yoga is not a religion. It does have spiritual philosophy attached to it, but you can choose to ignore it if you wish to. I know many Catholics, Christians and Hindu practising Yoga. It’s about your personal development not about what you believe in. And I always say that to my students, never believe in what I say, experience it and it will become your reality. If you just cognitively memorise it, it becomes another story created by your mind.

Do I need to be flexible to do Yoga?

You don’t need to be flexible, thin or fit, you just need to attend with open mind and experience it yourself. If you have current medical conditions, you need to consult your doctor if physical yoga would be suitable for you before joining the class. Also, it is important to tell the teacher about any medical conditions. Any experienced and qualified teacher will be able to adapt any postures to your needs.

Dr McCall (2007) in his book ‘Yoga as medicine’ states that” if you feel that you couldn’t possibly do yoga, then yoga might be especially helpful for you. It’s those who find yoga the most challenging, think that they are terrible at it, and can’t seem to quiet their minds, who have the most to gain.”

Is Yoga about the physical postures?

Asanas (physical postures) are part of yoga practice, but they don’t have to be. Yoga is so much more. Asanas are there to support us in the journey inwards, journey to get to know the true Self. Asanas were designed to bring our mind to stillness. In yoga sutras (chapter 1, sutra 2) we read “ yoga is stilling the modifications of the mind” (1) and that’s the aim of yoga, to align our mind, body and energy and bring them to a point where we feel happy and at ease. Asanas are used in different types of yoga for example: hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga, yin yoga, Iyengar yoga etc. However, there are also different types of yoga we can use not only on the mat but also in daily life. I mention only few of them. If you wish to know more about meditation, I recommend reading “Meditation from tantras” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati (2).

Raja Yoga – the science of mind as I call it. It focuses on meditation, mindfulness practices which allow us to get insight into our mind. From psychology (3) we know we are aware of 10% of our mind. 90% is hidden in the subconscious and unconscious mind. Meditation allows us to become more aware of the 90% of the hidden mind. I practice meditation every day and it transformed my life completely, however if you have existing mental health problems, please consult with your healthcare professional before attending classes.
Mantra Yoga – the yoga of sound. Is focused on repetition of combination of sounds. And when I chant, sing the sounds, it’s not really about meaning of the sound, it’s about vibration it creates in the body. Try it yourself, close your eyes and sing your favourite song, and after that keep your eyes closed and feel what is happening inside. The vibration is created. I believe in times of X factor, we are afraid of being judged and we don’t sing enough. I encourage everyone to sing as often as you can, in the shower, in the car, in the kitchen, just let yourself go and sing with all your heart, bring all the emotions into it and let yourself go. It’s like having a shower for your internal organs, isn’t that beautiful?
Karma Yoga – in this type of yoga we focus on doing the work. However, the difference is we do the work with complete awareness and non-attachment to the outcome. That doesn’t mean not to care about what you do. It means give your 100% but don’t expect the reward. It moves us away from our conditioned mind, and we move away from likes and dislikes, and helps to change the perception of the external world.

There are also others like Bhakti yoga – yoga of devotion, jnana yoga – yoga of knowledge/wisdom or yoga nidra – the yoga of sleep and others which you can search and read about. And that’s why I always say there is a yoga for everyone.

Do I need to become vegan to do yoga?

You don’t have to change anything in your lifestyle to do yoga. Just join the class and try it, experience what yoga means to you. And yes, with time, if you practice yoga daily possibly your perception of life will change. You will become more aware of your body, mind, energy and external environment and you will see life in a different light. And that’s the beauty of yoga.

Do I need a Guru when I decide to practice yoga?

Word Guru comes from Sanskrit and means teacher, expert, or light and darkness. Whichever yoga you start to practice, it is useful to have someone to guide you. Someone who is a little bit further on the way than you because they will know what you are going through. Having a teacher is a bit like using shortcut. Although I still believe in the most important teacher – our inner teacher, in each and every one of us, and that’s the teacher you need listen to the most, our inner voice, your intuition.

What If I don’t like the Yoga teacher?

That’s ok. Just find a new one. I always say to my students, if I am not your cup of tea, go and find someone who resonates with you, but don’t give up yoga. Only with time we move away from likes and dislikes in life, and we understand that person triggering something inside of us, actually help us discover the depth of our unconscious mind. On my yoga journey I found the most helpful teachers were those who challenged my belief system and showed me a different perception on reality. But again, I wouldn’t worry about it too much, your brain is there to protect you, if you are not ready for something, it will reject it.

Does word Yoga mean anything?

In B.K.S Iyengar “Light on Yoga “(3) we find that the word Yoga comes from Sanskrit and means to ‘bind’, ‘join’ or ‘direct’, it also means ‘union’. Yoga is connecting us with present moment. We are aligning our mind, body and energy and become fully aware of what’s happening now. Most of our life we think about the past or the future and life is disappearing in front of our eyes. Focusing on present moment allows us to live our life fully. The way I explain it, to the children is this: Yoga is the light inside of us. Like a bright shining star. We are all born with it. With time we cover it with different scarfs (thoughts, feelings, memories, experiences, definitions, stereotypes) and it disappears and stops to shine. Yoga helps us to re-discover it and let it shine through, and this light is what connects us all, no matter what gender we are, what colour of skin, what nationality, we are all the same.

Am I not too old to do yoga?

You are never too old to start yoga, it is never too late. I have people in my class ages 19 – 80, and we are still finding common grounds in the class. Research in neuroscience shows that creating new pathways in the brain (learning abilities) do not depend on age. There are no more excuses not to learn something new even if you are 100! (5)

Isn’t yoga too boring for children? My child cannot stay still for 2 seconds.

I have taught many children over the years, and I have never had anyone complaining that yoga is boring. Yoga can be defined as finding stillness in action. It does not have to be sitting still with eyes closed. A good teacher will be able to adapt practice to children’s needs and abilities and make it fun and engaging. If you wish to introduce your children to yoga, I write yoga stories for children ages 3-8. It is based on the programme I delivered for the last few years – called Yogi Superhero series. You can try and see if your child enjoys doing poses and breathing. Yogi Superhero relaxation is coming in August, based on the traditional Yoga Nidra practice, but adapted for children.

Yogi Superhero:

Yogi Superhero adventures in Nature – Forest:

Yoga and Calming Meditation for Kids – Yogi Superhero Series

Bibliography:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yoga-Sutras-Patanjali-Swami-Satchidananda/dp/1938477073
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meditations-Tantras-Swami-Satyananda-Saraswati/dp/8185787115
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-conscious-and-unconscious-mind-2795946
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Light-Yoga-Definitive-Guide-Practice/dp/0007107005
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6128435/

McCall T., (2007), Yoga as Medicine

Anna Smithers is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist for children and adults. yogi book series super hero forest Poetry and writing were always present in her life. Even as six year old girl, she was creating the stories and drawing her own illustrations. Later in life, poetry took more serious direction, and she was using poetry to express her feelings and emotions. When she was 18, her poems were published in local and national newspapers and magazines. Some of these won competitions. However, life has taken her on a completely different journey. After Anna gained her degrees in Science and Business Management, she stopped writing. It was only when she started Yoga that the inspiration to write returned to her. You can connect with her books via – http://orangelotusyoga.co.uk/yogi-superhero-book-kids-yoga/