Brain Gym – Embody Family Wellness

Recently I have been using some Brain Gym® exercises to effectively help with parenting our little ones.

These 3 exercises can be done almost simultaneously and they can be done anywhere, anytime to bring a sense of calm and clarity to any situation in less than 15 seconds.

Belly Breathing: Breathing slow and deep calms the nervous system and supplies the brain and body with the oxygen required for thinking clearly. Quite often in stressful situations we hold our breath. Instead, we need to make a conscious effort to take a deep breath in, until the belly expands and ensure we fully empty the lungs to allow all the fresh oxygen to come in with the next inhalation.
Positive Points: In Brain Gym® we gently place hands across the forehead as there are pressure points located here. By holding the ‘positive points’, it brings energy to the frontal lobe, this part of the brain is responsible for logical thinking. In doing this exercise the brain is able to think creatively of new solutions without the emotions being involved.
Repeat a mantra. This is not a Brain Gym® exercise, however we all know how useful positive self-talk / affirmations can be. I chose ‘I am stronger than this’ because it is what works for me. When in the heat of the moment if I am able to think logically about getting wound up over a situation with a little being, I realise- I am stronger than this. Asking myself, do I need to be wound up over this? Reminding myself I am the role model here, I need to be the stronger person, in control and calm so that I can help this little being that is having a hard time.

Find a mantra that works for you and have a go next time you’re feeling reactive.

I’ve had a few questions around timings and activities so thought it would be valuable to share some specifics of what we are doing. Please note I am seeing this time as a maintenance of learning, a time for coming together and being together in a happy, calm space. Not putting pressure on myself or the kids. If you’re after amazing learning lesson ideas there are probably better places to look. Realistic and simple is probably more achievable for me at this time. I’m sure we’ll throw in some really cool learning along the way but not my goal for everyday.

Lesson times should be short. Having one on one ‘teaching’ time is far more effective and valuable but also intense for children. 20 – 40 minute blocks are sufficient for primary aged children. If you can do 3 to 5, 20 to 40 minute blocks that is great. If you can do more wonderful.

We do a literacy block : spelling, writing, grammar, handwriting (options).

Math block, followed by a math game: snakes and ladders, dice, board games, etc.

Then science / technology: anything you can mix or make falls into this category.

AND / OR art/ music/ creative. OR finish with a block of children’s choice.

🌿Everyday play outside.

📚Everyday read books. You read, they read, ask questions to ensure understanding and keeps them interested.

🧠We start everyday with Brain Gym, this helps us focus and get into the right space for learning, communicating, sharing and generally just being in each other’s company.

If you’re trying to work from home yourself. I think setting aside these 20 – 40 minute blocks where you are attentive and put aside work/ issues/ stress will help children feel satisfied and more likely to play or do tasks happily and independently afterwards.

When to work- when they’re eating, when they have screen lead learning, when they have play time. If you’re sitting at the same table and they are working independently it may be tempting to go back to your work and this may be okay but be mindful it’s ‘their time’ so you quickly go back to them if they need help. If you are clear with them it’s their time, when it’s ‘your time’ to work they are more likely to leave you to be. Having clear times helps with expectations.

🌟I think having a ‘choice’ block is most important for working parents as it’s a time for you all to be together without pressure or expectation of learning etc.🌟

I only have one child in school with 2 littlies. If you have older ones in school, the older ones could be responsible for helping younger ones or setting them fun tasks… If they can do this then they can try educational tasks.

Mine make treasure hunts and obstacle courses for each other.

Work our what is possible for your family. If you have any questions get in touch, I’m more than happy to help. 💛

Tag: Brain Gym

Gentle Parenting

Tips and timing for being at home with school children.