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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
Using the Erg machines across varying time frames and distances to work on your endurance. This week, we will throw in some other dance moves to mix things up.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we're back on the rig for pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping and butterfly will make an appearance, followed by lat and core supersets.
HYROX
We are 5 weeks out from Sharjah, so we will break down a full HYROX into intervals to work on pacing and strategy.
MOBILITY
Since everyone enjoyed the flows so much, we will continue with this. Full body stretch routines, of course, followed with stability/activation. We need to lock everything in place after we have stretched.
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are hitting some bodybuilding work. Monday will be some full-body resistance training with a little bias towards the glutes. Wednesday, we are starting with some single leg work and core and then some arms to finish
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are breaking down the clean and jerk. Starting with clusters to work on the leg drive. A pressing complex with paused split jerks. Then, put it all together with power clean, hang clean, and split jerk. This will be a great great technique session!
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
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. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday Ride
Endurance ride with the crew! 85 or 100km options. Email rf@innerfight.com for more info.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: BOTS
Sunday - Group Long Run
A hatta long run to practice some time on the hills. Email endurance@innerfight.com if you'd like to get involved.
Location: BOTS
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Tempo
PM Session only: This evening we will be holding tempo pace for 8mins. Tempo should feel liks a 7/10 effort. After each 8 mins you will have 3 mins easy, which can be a gentle jog or walk. Repeat 3x rounds.
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. Today we will be running 1000m repeats which will fluctuate between 3km and 5km pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. Today the session
is 400m repeats. Try and run these 8-9/10 effort, as you have 60 sec to recover after each one. Rep scheme is 8-12x.
Friday
Hills Start Time: 5:29am
Tempo
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will have bridge repeats for those who want elevation, and tempo for those who want to push the pace on the flat surface. The choice is yours. (If you are running Two Oceans, we recommend the hills option).
Sunday
Time: 6:59am
Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking
Session: Long Run
We will be back in Hatta this week for our Sunday long run.
Route
This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.
Here we go, people! The start of a new block! The next 12 weeks are going to be loaded with strength, some nasty but epic short workouts, lots of strongman and, every now and again, some longer conditioning pieces! Fridays will be something special. Scroll down, and you know what we are talking about! Time to get stronger and fitter!
Monday:
We are kicking the week off with some knee flexion strength work, heavy back squats, step-ups, and cyclist goblet squats. Then we have a simple sprint workout of row wall balls row. How much do you want to hurt on the final row?
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 5 Back Squats Tempo 30X1
B) Every 2:30mins x 4 - 8 Barbell Box Step-Ups
C) Every 90secs x 3 - 8 Reps 1 1/4 Cyclist Goblet Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
500/400m row
50 Wall Balls
500/400m row
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have an Earthquake bar bench press followed by a triset of dumbbell presses, isometric chin over ball holds and push-ups. You will need a partner for the workout as you get stuck into some kettlebell carries and assault bike efforts.
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 8 Earthquake Bar Bench Press Tempo 20X1
B) Every 75secs Alt x 12 - 1) 10-12 Seated DB Press 2) 10-20 Second Chin Over Bar Hold 3) 30sec Push Ups
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time In Pairs YGIG
15/12 cal bike
2 lengths carpark dual KB front rack carry.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about power from the hips. Box jumps, power cleans and a frog stance deadlifts to build the posterior chain. Then we have a short, hard effort with the sandbags and dumbbells.
Strength:
A) 5 Mins to establish a Max height box jump
B) EMOM x 8 - 3 hang power cleans
c) Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 frog stance Deadlift
Conditioning:
For Time:
30-20-10
Sandbag Over Shoulder
DB Push Press
Thursday:
Thursday's strength is focused on some upper-body pulling with a Pendlay Row, and then we have a longer EMOM conditioning workout.
Strength:
Pendlay Row
Every 2 mins x 4 - 10/10/8/8 Pendlay Row
Conditioning:
EMOM 24
Min 1 - Assault bike
Min 2 - 25 ab mat sit-ups
Min 3 - Ski erg
Min 4 - 15/12/9 burpee
Friday:
Friday, we are finishing the week with some pull-ups and Olympic lifting in the strength piece before we cap off an epic week of training with a screamer of a workout!
Strength:
Conditioning: Bring everything, including the kitchen sink! FUF are here and here to stay!
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 skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
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. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday Ride
Endurance ride with the crew! 85 or 100km options. Email rf@innerfight.com for more info.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: BOTS
Sunday - Group Long Run
A hatta long run to practice some time on the hills. Email endurance@innerfight.com if you'd like to get involved.
Location: BOTS
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Tempo
PM Session only: This evening we will be holding tempo pace for 8mins. Tempo should feel liks a 7/10 effort. After each 8 mins you will have 3 mins easy, which can be a gentle jog or walk. Repeat 3x rounds.
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. Today we will be running 1000m repeats which will fluctuate between 3km and 5km pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. Today the session
is 400m repeats. Try and run these 8-9/10 effort, as you have 60 sec to recover after each one. Rep scheme is 8-12x.
Friday
Hills Start Time: 5:29am
Tempo
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will have bridge repeats for those who want elevation, and tempo for those who want to push the pace on the flat surface. The choice is yours. (If you are running Two Oceans, we recommend the hills option).
Sunday
Time: 6:59am
Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking
Session: Long Run
We will be back in Hatta this week for our Sunday long run.
Route
This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.
Here we go, people! The start of a new block! The next 12 weeks are going to be loaded with strength, some nasty but epic short workouts, lots of strongman and, every now and again, some longer conditioning pieces! Fridays will be something special. Scroll down, and you know what we are talking about! Time to get stronger and fitter!
Monday:
We are kicking the week off with some knee flexion strength work, heavy back squats, step-ups, and cyclist goblet squats. Then we have a simple sprint workout of row wall balls row. How much do you want to hurt on the final row?
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 5 Back Squats Tempo 30X1
B) Every 2:30mins x 4 - 8 Barbell Box Step-Ups
C) Every 90secs x 3 - 8 Reps 1 1/4 Cyclist Goblet Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
500/400m row
50 Wall Balls
500/400m row
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have an Earthquake bar bench press followed by a triset of dumbbell presses, isometric chin over ball holds and push-ups. You will need a partner for the workout as you get stuck into some kettlebell carries and assault bike efforts.
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 8 Earthquake Bar Bench Press Tempo 20X1
B) Every 75secs Alt x 12 - 1) 10-12 Seated DB Press 2) 10-20 Second Chin Over Bar Hold 3) 30sec Push Ups
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time In Pairs YGIG
15/12 cal bike
2 lengths carpark dual KB front rack carry.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about power from the hips. Box jumps, power cleans and a frog stance deadlifts to build the posterior chain. Then we have a short, hard effort with the sandbags and dumbbells.
Strength:
A) 5 Mins to establish a Max height box jump
B) EMOM x 8 - 3 hang power cleans
c) Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 frog stance Deadlift
Conditioning:
For Time:
30-20-10
Sandbag Over Shoulder
DB Push Press
Thursday:
Thursday's strength is focused on some upper-body pulling with a Pendlay Row, and then we have a longer EMOM conditioning workout.
Strength:
Pendlay Row
Every 2 mins x 4 - 10/10/8/8 Pendlay Row
Conditioning:
EMOM 24
Min 1 - Assault bike
Min 2 - 25 ab mat sit-ups
Min 3 - Ski erg
Min 4 - 15/12/9 burpee
Friday:
Friday, we are finishing the week with some pull-ups and Olympic lifting in the strength piece before we cap off an epic week of training with a screamer of a workout!
Strength:
Conditioning: Bring everything, including the kitchen sink! FUF are here and here to stay!
ENGINE
Using the Erg machines across varying time frames and distances to work on your endurance. This week, we will throw in some other dance moves to mix things up.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we're back on the rig for pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping and butterfly will make an appearance, followed by lat and core supersets.
HYROX
We are 5 weeks out from Sharjah, so we will break down a full HYROX into intervals to work on pacing and strategy.
MOBILITY
Since everyone enjoyed the flows so much, we will continue with this. Full body stretch routines, of course, followed with stability/activation. We need to lock everything in place after we have stretched.
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are hitting some bodybuilding work. Monday will be some full-body resistance training with a little bias towards the glutes. Wednesday, we are starting with some single leg work and core and then some arms to finish
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are breaking down the clean and jerk. Starting with clusters to work on the leg drive. A pressing complex with paused split jerks. Then, put it all together with power clean, hang clean, and split jerk. This will be a great great technique session!
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: Tempo
PM Session only: This evening we will be holding tempo pace for 8mins. Tempo should feel liks a 7/10 effort. After each 8 mins you will have 3 mins easy, which can be a gentle jog or walk. Repeat 3x rounds.
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. Today we will be running 1000m repeats which will fluctuate between 3km and 5km pace.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. Today the session
is 400m repeats. Try and run these 8-9/10 effort, as you have 60 sec to recover after each one. Rep scheme is 8-12x.
Friday
Hills Start Time: 5:29am
Tempo
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will have bridge repeats for those who want elevation, and tempo for those who want to push the pace on the flat surface. The choice is yours. (If you are running Two Oceans, we recommend the hills option).
Sunday
Time: 6:59am
Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking
Session: Long Run
We will be back in Hatta this week for our Sunday long run.
Route
This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.
Here we go, people! The start of a new block! The next 12 weeks are going to be loaded with strength, some nasty but epic short workouts, lots of strongman and, every now and again, some longer conditioning pieces! Fridays will be something special. Scroll down, and you know what we are talking about! Time to get stronger and fitter!
Monday:
We are kicking the week off with some knee flexion strength work, heavy back squats, step-ups, and cyclist goblet squats. Then we have a simple sprint workout of row wall balls row. How much do you want to hurt on the final row?
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 5 Back Squats Tempo 30X1
B) Every 2:30mins x 4 - 8 Barbell Box Step-Ups
C) Every 90secs x 3 - 8 Reps 1 1/4 Cyclist Goblet Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
500/400m row
50 Wall Balls
500/400m row
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have an Earthquake bar bench press followed by a triset of dumbbell presses, isometric chin over ball holds and push-ups. You will need a partner for the workout as you get stuck into some kettlebell carries and assault bike efforts.
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 8 Earthquake Bar Bench Press Tempo 20X1
B) Every 75secs Alt x 12 - 1) 10-12 Seated DB Press 2) 10-20 Second Chin Over Bar Hold 3) 30sec Push Ups
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time In Pairs YGIG
15/12 cal bike
2 lengths carpark dual KB front rack carry.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about power from the hips. Box jumps, power cleans and a frog stance deadlifts to build the posterior chain. Then we have a short, hard effort with the sandbags and dumbbells.
Strength:
A) 5 Mins to establish a Max height box jump
B) EMOM x 8 - 3 hang power cleans
c) Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 frog stance Deadlift
Conditioning:
For Time:
30-20-10
Sandbag Over Shoulder
DB Push Press
Thursday:
Thursday's strength is focused on some upper-body pulling with a Pendlay Row, and then we have a longer EMOM conditioning workout.
Strength:
Pendlay Row
Every 2 mins x 4 - 10/10/8/8 Pendlay Row
Conditioning:
EMOM 24
Min 1 - Assault bike
Min 2 - 25 ab mat sit-ups
Min 3 - Ski erg
Min 4 - 15/12/9 burpee
Friday:
Friday, we are finishing the week with some pull-ups and Olympic lifting in the strength piece before we cap off an epic week of training with a screamer of a workout!
Strength:
Conditioning: Bring everything, including the kitchen sink! FUF are here and here to stay!
ENGINE
Using the Erg machines across varying time frames and distances to work on your endurance. This week, we will throw in some other dance moves to mix things up.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we're back on the rig for pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping and butterfly will make an appearance, followed by lat and core supersets.
HYROX
We are 5 weeks out from Sharjah, so we will break down a full HYROX into intervals to work on pacing and strategy.
MOBILITY
Since everyone enjoyed the flows so much, we will continue with this. Full body stretch routines, of course, followed with stability/activation. We need to lock everything in place after we have stretched.
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are hitting some bodybuilding work. Monday will be some full-body resistance training with a little bias towards the glutes. Wednesday, we are starting with some single leg work and core and then some arms to finish
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are breaking down the clean and jerk. Starting with clusters to work on the leg drive. A pressing complex with paused split jerks. Then, put it all together with power clean, hang clean, and split jerk. This will be a great great technique session!
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
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. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday Ride
Endurance ride with the crew! 85 or 100km options. Email rf@innerfight.com for more info.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: BOTS
Sunday - Group Long Run
A hatta long run to practice some time on the hills. Email endurance@innerfight.com if you'd like to get involved.
Location: BOTS
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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