In a recent editorial from The New York Times Opinion….May 10, 2007:

To the Editor

Web sites aimed at young children like Clubpenguin.com and Webkinz.com may seem innocent, but we must ask what our kids are missing when they spend hours online.

Many kids are not using their imagination to create their own worlds and may find that self-directed play pales in comparison with bells and whistles and roulette wheels on their screens.

Young computer gurus often argue that reading is “boring” and that they would much rather be online than play outdoors. A fair number of them have difficulty slowing down, playing alone and being mindful, as they become used to the intense level of stimulation and instant feedback they experience on “kid friendly” sites.

Our children have their whole lives to be multitaskers and sit in front of a computer. Can’t we just let them be kids first?

Paul J. Donahue
Founder and Director
Child Development Associates
Scarsdale, N.Y., May 3, 2007

Children love these sites and they teach many great skills, yet we know sitting and staring at a screen for hours on end does not provide any physical fitness. So…what is the first missing link? I would say yoga. Anyone can do it. When children learn these techniques at a young age they will last a lifetime.

So…..Let’s start with at least continuous stretching every 10-15 minutes for our children (and ourselves) who spend too much time on the computer. I am guilty as charged and want to provide you and your kids with solutions.

Yoga is about balance in life and all things great and small. When presented in childlike and fun ways, yoga postures may begin to provide children with a sensory awareness of their bodies, physically and emotionally.

If your kids spend a lot of time on the computer, make sure they have great chairs that support their backs or are ‘on the ball’ so they are not ’schlumped’ forward. Here are 2 seated poses from our YogaKids Tools for Schools program that may help keep their posture on the up and up.

Neck Stretch Drop your chin towards your lifted chest. Slowly roll your right ear towards your right shoulder. Let your head lean gently back and slowly continue to roll you left ear towards your left shoulder. Tuck your chin into your chest. Do 3 to 6 rounds in each directions.

Eagle Arms Bend your arms. Cross your elbows. Twist your forearms together and press your palms together in the Namaste position. Let your eagle arms fly upward and your shoulders descend downward. Breathe into your upper back and change the cross of your arms.

Remind your children (and yourself) to repeat these simple stretches every 10-15 minutes while sitting at the computer.

The latest research on children with autism shows that this diagnosis is more prevalent in boys than girls by a 4 to 1 ratio.

According to People Magazine, “1 in 150 childen are effected with serious problems in communications and social relations.” Statistics reported in a January 2007 segment on The View stated that twenty years ago statistics were more like 1 out of 10,000.

Temple Grandin has shed some needed light and understanding with her books, teachings and appearances.

I have always been an animal lover and a supporter of PETA since their inception in 1980. For as long as I can remember, my kinship with our furry and feathered friends has been a lifesaving solace. Grandin’s connection and relationship to fostering a humane treatment of animals has helped her and the animals heal too. Says this amazing woman… “some autistic kids can understand what animals are thinking and feeling because, like them, they can’t rely on language to communicate. Their world is based on pictures and sounds, smells, tastes and touch.”

For more information go to Autismspeaks.

Just a reminder that you can post comments, questions or requests to any of our blog entries at any time. I look forward to seeing our blog become more interactive.
Thanks for your readership and views.

Gratefully,
Marsha Wenig
President and Founder
YogaKids International

YogaKids Tools for Schools was so well received in Canada this past weekend. We trained teachers from Nova Scotia to Vancouver and here’s what they said:

“It was very informative- love the lesson plans already prepared and the Om @ Home sheets concept.” - Sandra Collins, Teacher

“Outstanding! Great, practical info for teachers and parents. Balance is important to everyone-kids need tools to help them stay balanced to take on the world with self confidence and peace!” – Mary Lauton, Teacher

Thanks so much to Conference Founder, Ruth Dargan and her family team for making this event a great success.

Special thanks to our newly Certified YogaKids Teachers who selflessly assisted me in Toronto: Amanda McFadyen (amanda.mcfadyen@rogers.com), Tamatha Traynor (tamatha.traynor@yogakids.com), and Catherine Lesage (catherine.lesage@yogakids.com), who will be translating our YogaKids book into French. Stay tuned for more details.

Most importantly the YogaKids themselves. Here we are (from left, click for a larger photo): Amanda, me, Maia, Sara and Zoey and Catherine - happy, healthy and bright as we walk through this amazing city after a fabulous breakfast at Cora’s.