Narrative Yoga for Kids

Narrative Yoga for Kids

Monday, November 19, 2012

The Whole-Brain Child: How To Nurture A Child's Developing Mind (adults feel free to use the strategies too!!)



When my public library branch did not have the book I intended to check out last week I began looking at book covers…something that makes me relatively uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as leaving the library empty-handed.  I decided on “The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind”.  Written by neuropsychiatrist and bestselling author, Daniel J. Siegel, along with parenting expert, Tina Payne Bryson, it clearly explains 12 strategies to help you “cultivate healthy emotional and intellectual development in children, so that they may lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives”.  I am half way through the book and 100% convinced that the strategies they teach, all of which are based on the science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures, can ensure that parents, teachers, and other adults are not only surviving everyday struggles with children, but helping the family unit, class, & larger community thrive!

What I love most about this these strategies is that they do not require adults to designate specific time each day or each week to help children thrive.  Instead, you use ALL of the interactions you have with children (from the most angry to the most adorable) to help them become caring, compassionate, responsible, hard working people, who feel great about themselves.  It’s all about using everyday moments to help children reach their true potential.

As I continue the 6-part series on the benefits of massage for different age groups, I will also begin a 12-part series summarizing the 12 strategies outlined in “The Whole-Brain Child".  Throughout this series you will learn simple techniques to integrate a child's left & right brain, upstairs & downstairs brain, memory, many parts of the self, and self with others.  Read along, apply the strategies, and turn any “outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child’s brain and foster vital growth.” 

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