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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
Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises.
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping, and butterfly will appear, followed by lat and core supersets.
On Thursday evening, we’ll focus on handstand hold progressions before having some fun with handstand walks and finishing off the session with core and strength work.
HYROX
This is the Last Simulation before race week. We will lower the volume but keep the intensity high to make sure you are ready for race day!
ENGINE: Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises
MOBILITY
This week, we have the topic: Why are your calves and hamstrings always tight? What can we do to remedy this? Get yourself booked in, and I will show you! This is a great session for everyone, but it is extra beneficial to those runners out there!
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength, we have a chance to progress our 20 RM RDL, followed by some heavy press and strict press cluster sets.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on the squat clean. With a fun complex followed by some pulls. Perfect technique session, working on the barbell timing and full depth in the clean
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 - Jebel Jais Ride
Today our weekly endurance ride is at Jebel Jais! If you're interested to join email us here.
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Monday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
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 600m repeats. Which will start at 5km pace and progress to 3km pace, so that the pace increases within each rep.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a negative split session, meaning that the second half is faster than the first. After 30 mins of easy running, lock into a 20 mins block of effort from 7 - 9 RPE.
Saturday
Time: 5:15am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 56km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Sunday
Time: 6:00am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 21km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
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Eid Mubarak, we hope you all have a great long weekend! Class times are different this week, so please check the schedule on Mindbody! We have a great week lined up, so see you all on the gym floor!
Monday:
We start the week with an epic partner workout. Grab a partner, and let's start the week with a bang!
Conditioning:
40 min amrap in pairs
50 Cal Row
6 wall walks
50 CB Clean and Jerk
6 Wall Walks
50 Box Jump Overs
6 Wall Walks
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we have some push-and-pull work in our strength area, focused on overhead pressing, and then 2 12-minute AMRAPs for you to get stuck into.
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 Alt between
A: 8 Dual DB Z press
B: 20 Alt Gorilla Rows
Conditioning:
12 min amrap
30 Wall balls
30/25 cal ski
30 Double Unders
Rest 3 Mins
12 min amrap
30/25 Sal Ass bike
20 V Ups
20 Russian KB Swings
Wednesday:
Wednesday, we are hitting some paused back squats in the strength, and then we get after a real grind of a WOD with some burpee pull-ups, front squats, and running.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 6 - 3/3/2/2/1/1 Tempo Back Squats @21X1
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time
5 Front Squats
Pool Run
5 burpee pull-ups
Thursday:
Thursday, snatch complex with some accessory, followed by the workout ACID BATH.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 8 - 1 Snatch Pull + 1 hang Power Snatch +
1 Power snatch
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 3 - 5 Snatch Grip Deadlift
Conditioning:
For time
500m ski
500m row
1000m c2 bike
Friday:
FUF - Finishing the week with some push-pull work in the strength, before an all-in barbell workout to end the week! What Better!
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 push press
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 4 complete 6 DB bench Press @ 30x1 + 3-5 strict pull ups
Conditioning:
5 min amrap
9 Deadlift
6 Hang Power Clean
3 STOH
Rest 3 mins x 3
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 - Jebel Jais Ride
Today our weekly endurance ride is at Jebel Jais! If you're interested to join email us here.
Monday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
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 600m repeats. Which will start at 5km pace and progress to 3km pace, so that the pace increases within each rep.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a negative split session, meaning that the second half is faster than the first. After 30 mins of easy running, lock into a 20 mins block of effort from 7 - 9 RPE.
Saturday
Time: 5:15am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 56km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Sunday
Time: 6:00am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 21km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Eid Mubarak, we hope you all have a great long weekend! Class times are different this week, so please check the schedule on Mindbody! We have a great week lined up, so see you all on the gym floor!
Monday:
We start the week with an epic partner workout. Grab a partner, and let's start the week with a bang!
Conditioning:
40 min amrap in pairs
50 Cal Row
6 wall walks
50 CB Clean and Jerk
6 Wall Walks
50 Box Jump Overs
6 Wall Walks
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we have some push-and-pull work in our strength area, focused on overhead pressing, and then 2 12-minute AMRAPs for you to get stuck into.
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 Alt between
A: 8 Dual DB Z press
B: 20 Alt Gorilla Rows
Conditioning:
12 min amrap
30 Wall balls
30/25 cal ski
30 Double Unders
Rest 3 Mins
12 min amrap
30/25 Sal Ass bike
20 V Ups
20 Russian KB Swings
Wednesday:
Wednesday, we are hitting some paused back squats in the strength, and then we get after a real grind of a WOD with some burpee pull-ups, front squats, and running.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 6 - 3/3/2/2/1/1 Tempo Back Squats @21X1
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time
5 Front Squats
Pool Run
5 burpee pull-ups
Thursday:
Thursday, snatch complex with some accessory, followed by the workout ACID BATH.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 8 - 1 Snatch Pull + 1 hang Power Snatch +
1 Power snatch
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 3 - 5 Snatch Grip Deadlift
Conditioning:
For time
500m ski
500m row
1000m c2 bike
Friday:
FUF - Finishing the week with some push-pull work in the strength, before an all-in barbell workout to end the week! What Better!
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 push press
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 4 complete 6 DB bench Press @ 30x1 + 3-5 strict pull ups
Conditioning:
5 min amrap
9 Deadlift
6 Hang Power Clean
3 STOH
Rest 3 mins x 3
ENGINE
Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises.
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping, and butterfly will appear, followed by lat and core supersets.
On Thursday evening, we’ll focus on handstand hold progressions before having some fun with handstand walks and finishing off the session with core and strength work.
HYROX
This is the Last Simulation before race week. We will lower the volume but keep the intensity high to make sure you are ready for race day!
ENGINE: Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises
MOBILITY
This week, we have the topic: Why are your calves and hamstrings always tight? What can we do to remedy this? Get yourself booked in, and I will show you! This is a great session for everyone, but it is extra beneficial to those runners out there!
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength, we have a chance to progress our 20 RM RDL, followed by some heavy press and strict press cluster sets.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on the squat clean. With a fun complex followed by some pulls. Perfect technique session, working on the barbell timing and full depth in the clean
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
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
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 600m repeats. Which will start at 5km pace and progress to 3km pace, so that the pace increases within each rep.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a negative split session, meaning that the second half is faster than the first. After 30 mins of easy running, lock into a 20 mins block of effort from 7 - 9 RPE.
Saturday
Time: 5:15am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 56km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Sunday
Time: 6:00am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 21km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Eid Mubarak, we hope you all have a great long weekend! Class times are different this week, so please check the schedule on Mindbody! We have a great week lined up, so see you all on the gym floor!
Monday:
We start the week with an epic partner workout. Grab a partner, and let's start the week with a bang!
Conditioning:
40 min amrap in pairs
50 Cal Row
6 wall walks
50 CB Clean and Jerk
6 Wall Walks
50 Box Jump Overs
6 Wall Walks
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we have some push-and-pull work in our strength area, focused on overhead pressing, and then 2 12-minute AMRAPs for you to get stuck into.
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 Alt between
A: 8 Dual DB Z press
B: 20 Alt Gorilla Rows
Conditioning:
12 min amrap
30 Wall balls
30/25 cal ski
30 Double Unders
Rest 3 Mins
12 min amrap
30/25 Sal Ass bike
20 V Ups
20 Russian KB Swings
Wednesday:
Wednesday, we are hitting some paused back squats in the strength, and then we get after a real grind of a WOD with some burpee pull-ups, front squats, and running.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 6 - 3/3/2/2/1/1 Tempo Back Squats @21X1
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time
5 Front Squats
Pool Run
5 burpee pull-ups
Thursday:
Thursday, snatch complex with some accessory, followed by the workout ACID BATH.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 8 - 1 Snatch Pull + 1 hang Power Snatch +
1 Power snatch
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 3 - 5 Snatch Grip Deadlift
Conditioning:
For time
500m ski
500m row
1000m c2 bike
Friday:
FUF - Finishing the week with some push-pull work in the strength, before an all-in barbell workout to end the week! What Better!
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 push press
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 4 complete 6 DB bench Press @ 30x1 + 3-5 strict pull ups
Conditioning:
5 min amrap
9 Deadlift
6 Hang Power Clean
3 STOH
Rest 3 mins x 3
ENGINE
Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises.
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping, and butterfly will appear, followed by lat and core supersets.
On Thursday evening, we’ll focus on handstand hold progressions before having some fun with handstand walks and finishing off the session with core and strength work.
HYROX
This is the Last Simulation before race week. We will lower the volume but keep the intensity high to make sure you are ready for race day!
ENGINE: Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises
MOBILITY
This week, we have the topic: Why are your calves and hamstrings always tight? What can we do to remedy this? Get yourself booked in, and I will show you! This is a great session for everyone, but it is extra beneficial to those runners out there!
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength, we have a chance to progress our 20 RM RDL, followed by some heavy press and strict press cluster sets.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on the squat clean. With a fun complex followed by some pulls. Perfect technique session, working on the barbell timing and full depth in the clean
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 - Jebel Jais Ride
Today our weekly endurance ride is at Jebel Jais! If you're interested to join email us here.
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.
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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