TAI CHI FOR CHILDREN

TAI CHI FOR CHILDREN Both Tai Chi and Qigong (chi kung) are becoming increasingly popular as their benefits are more widely recognised and researched. However, it is only fairly recently that people have started to look at these Arts and their potential benefits for the younger members of our society. Recent reports suggest that even pupils of primary schools suffer from stress, and through our own experience as parents we are well aware of the pressures as children progress through their schooling. Of course, it is not just the stresses of educational demands, we cannot ignore the number of children who have troubles socially and at home. The relaxation and breath control of qigong enable the practitioner to develop an inner balance, to reduce stress, improve concentration and to calm the nature. Schools that have introduced these Arts find that their children show better powers of concentration and are more disciplined, together with a more developed sense of self-awareness which helps to boost confidence and self-esteem, and greater respect for others. Classes are always conducted in a relaxed, non-competitive environment, their aim being to develop and improve without any comparison to others. Physically, tai chi exercise helps with balance, co-ordination and flexibility. It will also help with postural control by aligning the spine and strengthening its supporting muscles. School desks are invariably ergonomically incorrect, and ‘back-packs’ detrimental to the posture. In addition to this, tai chi should be fun! Many of the movements are based on those of animals, which for younger children can be an outlet for self-expression. The discipline of tai chi and qigong would increase as the child grows older and more able to focus on the self and on the slow, flowing movements of tai chi form. Many learners also note improvements in their performance of other sports due to their improved co-ordination and body awareness. Excerpts from thank you letters received from primary school children on a recent Tai Chi Qigong course : “…..I find it really enjoyable. It helped me to calm down, it felt really great to do.” “Thank you for teaching us Tai Chi I loved it. I do tai chi at home because it’s so much fun” “Tai chi is so peaceful. I hope we shall see you again” “These lessons have been calming, yet exciting ……….. I can’t believe we have learnt so much” “I felt doing all of the moves as if I was the bear or the dragon. It was so calming. Tai chi is one of the best things I have ever done”