I wish to comment on the direction we are going with the gay and lesbian rights movement. It is moving too fast and there will be a backlash, due to their stance on many issues. I talked to a Lawyer, a gay guy who was from Los Angeles today about raising adopted babies. He said he personally would never do it, but it is a great idea. He said to me it was better than them being raised by the Catholic Church. WOW. Heavy statement and he might have something there. I did not want to get into a verbal debate over the issue, usually cause I win, and this guy just did not have the brainpower for it anyway (most homosexuals are above average intelligence in my opinion). He was correct in his argument of the Catholic Church, so I see his perspective.
What I see over all is a lining up of opposition, First it was the Boy Scouts and that was really not a good issue since it was blown out of proportion and just because adults disagree is no reason to hurt the kids over the issues. After all the Boy Scouts is an American Tradition and should not be compromised due to a few isolated incidents. The Boy Scouts help kids and everyone gay or not should be 100% for helping kids; it is our responsibility to the next generation. This issue of gay people suing to adopt and putting the issue out in the media and public is not a good idea right now, since we should stay united as a country. There will be a time for change and slow change is better for all, too much too soon will hurt both sides credibility, promote hatred and misunderstanding on all sides. Besides the media makes a field day out of it anyway, since controversy sells newspapers. Since I do not opine, but do believe every kid who needs to be adopted gets adopted and right now that is happening. Right now it is better to all say we are Americans and we stick together.
Look; let’s all get on the same page and work together on a common goal and hen we can discuss this as friends instead of as enemies or divided as Blue and Red, Black or White; Gay or Straight. Let’s all chill out and think about it alright?
“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
What can children and parents gain from practicing Yoga together? When should I start teaching Yoga to my son or daughter? What about Mommy and Me classes? Let’s cover a bit of ground, and establish some realistic expectation for parents and children.
What can children and parents gain from practicing Yoga together? “The sky is the limit,” as they say. Children and parents need more bonding time. We need to eat together and find activities that solidify our relationships. Mommy and Me Yoga classes offer a chance for families to bond, while children are impressionable.
Like any activity, Yoga can be practiced at an early age. As long as Yoga practice is supervised, and the teacher is knowledgeable, parent and child will benefit in many ways. Parents who have no knowledge of Yoga should consider toddler classes or the Mommy and Me Yoga classes.
Classes should be divided according to age. For example - Children who are one to two years of age could be separated from the two to four years of age group. Below twelve months of age, most children are in the watching stage.
Some babies will copy what they see, and you should never expect too much from any child. Children will learn Yoga much better in a patient environment. There should not be a deadline for the time it takes a child to learn aspects of Yoga. Children have a lifetime to learn the many benefits of Yoga. Surprisingly, most children of all ages will demonstrate Yoga techniques they learn at home.
When should I start teaching Yoga to my son or daughter Yoga? Any time is fine, as long as you make it fun. For parents, this is the beginning of learning how to guide without discouraging. Yoga will teach children life skills, such as stress reduction, anger management, goal setting, and enhance athletic ability.
What about Mommy and Me classes? If you have a Mommy and Me Yoga class in your area, it is worth signing up. Parents should let the Yoga instructor lead the class. This seems obvious, but you would be surprised how often parents can be counter productive to children’s activities.
Mommy and Me Yoga classes will contain many of the following aspects: Yoga music, kids music, singing, basic Pranayama, coloring books, theme Yoga classes, Asanas, mixing dance movement with Yoga, drawing with crayons, story telling, Yoga games, focusing drills, relaxation techniques, meditation, and lots of fun.
There are many Yoga books, DVD’s, card decks, coloring books, and Yoga music CD’s for children. With so much to choose from, a child’s attention can be harnessed for constructive purposes. The greatest benefit of all for children is the ability to control their own attention span.
© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
