How Does Screen Time Affect Children?

Can too much screen time from TV, computers, and phones negatively impact children’s development? More and more research says it can. Young children have experienced issues with memory, attention, sight-seeing, and communication due to heavy screen time. In this article by Jacqueline Howard from CNN, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that children under the age of 1 should not be exposed to electronic screens for more than one hour a day. "Higher screen time viewing at 2 and 3 years of age was associated with children's delays in meeting developmental milestones at 3 and 5 years of age, respectively," said Sheri Madigan, an assistant professor and research chair in determinants of child development at the University of Calgary.  

Limiting screen time and increasing physical activity is the best recipe for a happy healthy childhood. This article by Emily S. Rueb from the New York Times suggests that physical activity improves a child’s physical and mental well being. In addition, physical activities can help prevent childhood obesity as well as a number of diseases and health issues. 

Yoga has proven beneficial to children of all ages, as it allows individuals to take time off of their technology and truly connect with their body. So why not get off the electronic screens and have your kids practice yoga? 

Yoga for kids

Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation. Practicing yoga may help reduce stress, anxiety and help improve ones’ overall health and well-being. As a beginner or a child, one should practice yoga alongside a friend or an instructor who will be willing to guide you on this peaceful journey. These simple yoga exercises are a great way for kids and adults to get the nervous energy out of their bodies and gain some focus.  Ashtanga yoga and Iyengar yoga are great for little yogis. Ashtanga yoga is a flowing style that progresses through a series of poses connected to the breath. Iyengar yoga emphasizes precision; it focuses on structural alignment of the body.

Encouraging children to practice yoga will build self-esteem and increase confidence. In addition, their concentration and sense of calm will improve. A yoga teacher can offer a great deal through guidance and, when matched with a child’s desire to successfully master a pose, enhance a child’s relationship with both mind and body.

Your child will find that a yoga life is a happy and healthy life.

10 Reasons Why Your Children Should Do Yoga

Yoga is a series of stretches and poses that an individual does while controlling their breathing technique. Since it’s a gentle activity, almost anyone can do yoga, regardless of your age or fitness level. Yoga allows children to express their energy and joy. It gives them an opportunity to try out new yoga poses, which encourages them to believe and achieve.  

Yoga exercises can be intense and vigorous, depending on your personal choice. No matter which type of exercise you do, it will allow your mind and body to relax and reflect. 

1. Yoga allows children to challenge themselves 

Children will be given the opportunity to try out new yoga poses. To an extent, children get to overcome an obstacle. 

2. Children get to take time off and reflect on their personal health

This allows children to understand what works well for their body. This can be related to breathing problems, anger management, and even time management. 

3. Yoga encourages connection between each other

Children will learn to communicate with each other, especially when they are practicing yoga poses with a partner. 

4. Yoga provides a method, environment where children can explore themselves

The environment that the children practice in will be private, meaning they will be able to learn about their strengths and weaknesses. 

5. Yoga works as a “natural medicine” for people of all ages

Yoga is a natural, drug-free method for your body to reset and re-energize.

6. Children will understand how to control their emotions through success and failure

Failure does not always bring negative effects. In fact, children can learn about the process and how to prevent failure through yoga techniques

7. Yoga is non-competitive (Self-challenge) 

Instead of competing with others, yoga allows you to set goals (achieving whichever yoga poses you like). 

8. Yoga improves sleep patterns especially in young children

Practicing yoga poses right before bedtime can benefit sleep quality and sleep schedules, as well as breathing techniques. 

9. Children learn about determination and perseverance

When something such as yoga is fun for kids, they always want to know more. This excitement helps lead to feeling more determined and persevering when difficulty arises. 

10. Encourage kids to be patient and learn

In the beginning, children will have to pay attention to practice certain yoga poses. They might even have to observe an expert first before trying it out themselves. 

Yoga brings positive aspects to our spiritual and mental well-being. Growing up is a challenging period for parents and children, so let’s use yoga to de-stress and unwind. Yoga provides fun activities for kids and parents. So why not try it out?  At Lan Lan Yoga, we utilize a simple three steps method to take yoga for children to the next level by having the children to reflect their own experience, helping them perceive, believe and achieve!

To find out more, check out our lesson page for more details