Emotions rule kids' brains, hearts

COMING up on Monday July 13, we have Shelley Davidow, a parent, teacher and author of the book Raising Stress Proof Kids, coming to Wanganui to present two free workshops.

We are excited to host her and thought you might like a sneak preview of her message, so here's an article written by Shelley to give you a taste of what she will be talking about.

"As parents, we all want our kids to become smart, well-adjusted people. Often we think that means our kids need to get good grades so they can be successful in the world and ultimately happy. But sometimes we inadvertently stress our kids to the limit on our desire for their 'success'.

"Recent research by the HeartMath Institute in California tells us that sustained feelings of joy and gratitude in our children's heart can enhance their cognition. And one can't sustain those feelings in the middle of stress.

"When children feel happy, their heart rhythms tend to become more ordered. Ordered heart rhythms affect brain function and improve it. So, positive emotional states in our kids lead to enhanced brain function. As parents, we can help our kids stay positive and unstressed by how we behave.

"We can put them at a distinct advantage by making sure they have lots of love, understanding, firm boundaries and joy.

"Sure, stress is out there, but there's a lot we can do as parents to stop it from having negative effects on our kids. One of the main things we can do is avoid getting stressed ourselves.

"For example, my philosophy is a kind of emotional pragmatism. If a child is 'losing it', it's our responsibility to not lose it, too. If there's a meltdown, a temper tantrum, a crying fit - maintaining our own balance and emotional stability is essential.

"Never stoop to the level of the fray, I tell myself as both a parent and as a teacher. In order to have a positive effect on our kids' heart rhythms, we need to be mindful rather than reactive in our responses. That way, we put our kids at a distinct advantage by minimising stress.

"Stressed kids can be disadvantaged. No one can think properly when stressed, because stress causes the body to get ready for fight-or-flight and blood flows away from the brain to the limbs in response to fear.

"The stress response was wisely designed to get our prehistoric ancestors away from danger, but these days we still have the same physical reaction to stressful situations even if they aren't immediately life threatening. Kids who are distressed about school, or friends, or upcoming tests or what to wear, need loving support.

"Regardless of the issue, if we as parents maintain a calm demeanour, and focus on the state of our own hearts, we're actually encouraging optimum brain function in our children.

"In our never-ending quest to do what's best for them, we sometimes forget the essentials. What happens in our children's heart influences the brains electrical activity. Feeling happy and loved and unstressed makes children smarter. Imagine that."

(Used with permission)

The workshops are suitable for parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers and professionals working alongside parents and children.

Shelley is a trained facilitator in restorative practice and an international speaker on the impact and management of stress. The free workshops are 9.30am-noon or 7pm-9.30pm on Monday July 13. Central Baptist Centre, cnr Wicksteed and Dublin Sts.

For more information contact skipwhanganui@xtra.co.nz or text/ph 0276261404