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Body Language with Children
As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
On a day to day basis, for most of us, body language isn’t something we normally actively think about. Nevertheless, as it turns out, 55 percent of communication is body language, 38 percent is the tone of voice and 7 percent are the actual words spoken. So why might these statistics be surprising? That’s because by adulthood, after years of experience, our brains quickly interpret other peoples’ body language and subsequently subconsciously bias and control the way we react. For children, they are not yet quite adept at interpreting the nuances of non-verbal communication. As a result, our kids, experiential learners that they are, learn from both watching us and from trial and error in their daily social interactions.
From the time they are babies, children are imitating what they see adults do. For example, if you smile, they will smile back. They are astute observers and learn from the hand gestures we use while talking, the actions we make when comforting them (giving a hug), the way we convey our words and ultimately mimic these learnings when they themselves interact with others. But, as we grow older, most of our brains go on autopilot to help us to easily interpret our surroundings and to maximize our efficiency in progressing throughout our day. This causes us to lose some of the acuteness to body language that we required as children. As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
Studies show that while a few of us may be driven by critiques and pointing out our opportunities for improvement, most people, and especially our children, respond best to positive reinforcement. As parents, teachers and coaches, in order to ensure of maximum impact on our kids, it is imperative that we take a step back and heighten our awareness to the non-verbal communication around us as well as the non-verbal communication we send out into the world.
Positive reinforcement can be demonstrated to our children by utilizing a number of simple, yet effective techniques. Eye contact goes a long way to ensure children that they are important and receiving your full attention. Smiles or a pat on the back allow kids to know they are on the right track and you are pleased with their progress or actions. Coupled with a reassuring tone, bending down to a child’s level to speak to them makes a child feel important and secure in what you are asking them to do. Finally, to demonstrate understanding and to increase a connection, it is important to recognize their body language and to encouragingly mimic back an understanding of their feelings. For example, if a child is sad, it is crucial to nod your head in understanding and visibly demonstrate empathetic sadness. If they are frustrated, remain relaxed in your posture and ensure that you are using a calm reassuring tone. These techniques, while seemingly obvious, are critical and help to create a bond of trust and understanding that helps to push our children to feel safe and to reach their potential.
While body language has become second nature to us as adults, it is important to keep in mind that when interacting with our children that we need to focus on the body language we use. They are watching and learning from us at all times. If we use appropriate body language with our children, they will be more confident and likely to achieve their goals.
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
On a day to day basis, for most of us, body language isn’t something we normally actively think about. Nevertheless, as it turns out, 55 percent of communication is body language, 38 percent is the tone of voice and 7 percent are the actual words spoken. So why might these statistics be surprising? That’s because by adulthood, after years of experience, our brains quickly interpret other peoples’ body language and subsequently subconsciously bias and control the way we react. For children, they are not yet quite adept at interpreting the nuances of non-verbal communication. As a result, our kids, experiential learners that they are, learn from both watching us and from trial and error in their daily social interactions.
From the time they are babies, children are imitating what they see adults do. For example, if you smile, they will smile back. They are astute observers and learn from the hand gestures we use while talking, the actions we make when comforting them (giving a hug), the way we convey our words and ultimately mimic these learnings when they themselves interact with others. But, as we grow older, most of our brains go on autopilot to help us to easily interpret our surroundings and to maximize our efficiency in progressing throughout our day. This causes us to lose some of the acuteness to body language that we required as children. As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
Studies show that while a few of us may be driven by critiques and pointing out our opportunities for improvement, most people, and especially our children, respond best to positive reinforcement. As parents, teachers and coaches, in order to ensure of maximum impact on our kids, it is imperative that we take a step back and heighten our awareness to the non-verbal communication around us as well as the non-verbal communication we send out into the world.
Positive reinforcement can be demonstrated to our children by utilizing a number of simple, yet effective techniques. Eye contact goes a long way to ensure children that they are important and receiving your full attention. Smiles or a pat on the back allow kids to know they are on the right track and you are pleased with their progress or actions. Coupled with a reassuring tone, bending down to a child’s level to speak to them makes a child feel important and secure in what you are asking them to do. Finally, to demonstrate understanding and to increase a connection, it is important to recognize their body language and to encouragingly mimic back an understanding of their feelings. For example, if a child is sad, it is crucial to nod your head in understanding and visibly demonstrate empathetic sadness. If they are frustrated, remain relaxed in your posture and ensure that you are using a calm reassuring tone. These techniques, while seemingly obvious, are critical and help to create a bond of trust and understanding that helps to push our children to feel safe and to reach their potential.
While body language has become second nature to us as adults, it is important to keep in mind that when interacting with our children that we need to focus on the body language we use. They are watching and learning from us at all times. If we use appropriate body language with our children, they will be more confident and likely to achieve their goals.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
On a day to day basis, for most of us, body language isn’t something we normally actively think about. Nevertheless, as it turns out, 55 percent of communication is body language, 38 percent is the tone of voice and 7 percent are the actual words spoken. So why might these statistics be surprising? That’s because by adulthood, after years of experience, our brains quickly interpret other peoples’ body language and subsequently subconsciously bias and control the way we react. For children, they are not yet quite adept at interpreting the nuances of non-verbal communication. As a result, our kids, experiential learners that they are, learn from both watching us and from trial and error in their daily social interactions.
From the time they are babies, children are imitating what they see adults do. For example, if you smile, they will smile back. They are astute observers and learn from the hand gestures we use while talking, the actions we make when comforting them (giving a hug), the way we convey our words and ultimately mimic these learnings when they themselves interact with others. But, as we grow older, most of our brains go on autopilot to help us to easily interpret our surroundings and to maximize our efficiency in progressing throughout our day. This causes us to lose some of the acuteness to body language that we required as children. As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
Studies show that while a few of us may be driven by critiques and pointing out our opportunities for improvement, most people, and especially our children, respond best to positive reinforcement. As parents, teachers and coaches, in order to ensure of maximum impact on our kids, it is imperative that we take a step back and heighten our awareness to the non-verbal communication around us as well as the non-verbal communication we send out into the world.
Positive reinforcement can be demonstrated to our children by utilizing a number of simple, yet effective techniques. Eye contact goes a long way to ensure children that they are important and receiving your full attention. Smiles or a pat on the back allow kids to know they are on the right track and you are pleased with their progress or actions. Coupled with a reassuring tone, bending down to a child’s level to speak to them makes a child feel important and secure in what you are asking them to do. Finally, to demonstrate understanding and to increase a connection, it is important to recognize their body language and to encouragingly mimic back an understanding of their feelings. For example, if a child is sad, it is crucial to nod your head in understanding and visibly demonstrate empathetic sadness. If they are frustrated, remain relaxed in your posture and ensure that you are using a calm reassuring tone. These techniques, while seemingly obvious, are critical and help to create a bond of trust and understanding that helps to push our children to feel safe and to reach their potential.
While body language has become second nature to us as adults, it is important to keep in mind that when interacting with our children that we need to focus on the body language we use. They are watching and learning from us at all times. If we use appropriate body language with our children, they will be more confident and likely to achieve their goals.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
On a day to day basis, for most of us, body language isn’t something we normally actively think about. Nevertheless, as it turns out, 55 percent of communication is body language, 38 percent is the tone of voice and 7 percent are the actual words spoken. So why might these statistics be surprising? That’s because by adulthood, after years of experience, our brains quickly interpret other peoples’ body language and subsequently subconsciously bias and control the way we react. For children, they are not yet quite adept at interpreting the nuances of non-verbal communication. As a result, our kids, experiential learners that they are, learn from both watching us and from trial and error in their daily social interactions.
From the time they are babies, children are imitating what they see adults do. For example, if you smile, they will smile back. They are astute observers and learn from the hand gestures we use while talking, the actions we make when comforting them (giving a hug), the way we convey our words and ultimately mimic these learnings when they themselves interact with others. But, as we grow older, most of our brains go on autopilot to help us to easily interpret our surroundings and to maximize our efficiency in progressing throughout our day. This causes us to lose some of the acuteness to body language that we required as children. As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
Studies show that while a few of us may be driven by critiques and pointing out our opportunities for improvement, most people, and especially our children, respond best to positive reinforcement. As parents, teachers and coaches, in order to ensure of maximum impact on our kids, it is imperative that we take a step back and heighten our awareness to the non-verbal communication around us as well as the non-verbal communication we send out into the world.
Positive reinforcement can be demonstrated to our children by utilizing a number of simple, yet effective techniques. Eye contact goes a long way to ensure children that they are important and receiving your full attention. Smiles or a pat on the back allow kids to know they are on the right track and you are pleased with their progress or actions. Coupled with a reassuring tone, bending down to a child’s level to speak to them makes a child feel important and secure in what you are asking them to do. Finally, to demonstrate understanding and to increase a connection, it is important to recognize their body language and to encouragingly mimic back an understanding of their feelings. For example, if a child is sad, it is crucial to nod your head in understanding and visibly demonstrate empathetic sadness. If they are frustrated, remain relaxed in your posture and ensure that you are using a calm reassuring tone. These techniques, while seemingly obvious, are critical and help to create a bond of trust and understanding that helps to push our children to feel safe and to reach their potential.
While body language has become second nature to us as adults, it is important to keep in mind that when interacting with our children that we need to focus on the body language we use. They are watching and learning from us at all times. If we use appropriate body language with our children, they will be more confident and likely to achieve their goals.
On a day to day basis, for most of us, body language isn’t something we normally actively think about. Nevertheless, as it turns out, 55 percent of communication is body language, 38 percent is the tone of voice and 7 percent are the actual words spoken. So why might these statistics be surprising? That’s because by adulthood, after years of experience, our brains quickly interpret other peoples’ body language and subsequently subconsciously bias and control the way we react. For children, they are not yet quite adept at interpreting the nuances of non-verbal communication. As a result, our kids, experiential learners that they are, learn from both watching us and from trial and error in their daily social interactions.
From the time they are babies, children are imitating what they see adults do. For example, if you smile, they will smile back. They are astute observers and learn from the hand gestures we use while talking, the actions we make when comforting them (giving a hug), the way we convey our words and ultimately mimic these learnings when they themselves interact with others. But, as we grow older, most of our brains go on autopilot to help us to easily interpret our surroundings and to maximize our efficiency in progressing throughout our day. This causes us to lose some of the acuteness to body language that we required as children. As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
Studies show that while a few of us may be driven by critiques and pointing out our opportunities for improvement, most people, and especially our children, respond best to positive reinforcement. As parents, teachers and coaches, in order to ensure of maximum impact on our kids, it is imperative that we take a step back and heighten our awareness to the non-verbal communication around us as well as the non-verbal communication we send out into the world.
Positive reinforcement can be demonstrated to our children by utilizing a number of simple, yet effective techniques. Eye contact goes a long way to ensure children that they are important and receiving your full attention. Smiles or a pat on the back allow kids to know they are on the right track and you are pleased with their progress or actions. Coupled with a reassuring tone, bending down to a child’s level to speak to them makes a child feel important and secure in what you are asking them to do. Finally, to demonstrate understanding and to increase a connection, it is important to recognize their body language and to encouragingly mimic back an understanding of their feelings. For example, if a child is sad, it is crucial to nod your head in understanding and visibly demonstrate empathetic sadness. If they are frustrated, remain relaxed in your posture and ensure that you are using a calm reassuring tone. These techniques, while seemingly obvious, are critical and help to create a bond of trust and understanding that helps to push our children to feel safe and to reach their potential.
While body language has become second nature to us as adults, it is important to keep in mind that when interacting with our children that we need to focus on the body language we use. They are watching and learning from us at all times. If we use appropriate body language with our children, they will be more confident and likely to achieve their goals.
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