childhood

In Ayurveda, childhood is seen as the Kapha phase, a phase in which the earth element is of great importance. Children gain substance, their tissue multiplies, they grow. As parents, we have an ever greater challenge these days to remain relaxed with everything that is thrown at us and all the tasks that we have to deal with.

What is particularly important for children in their development?

Relaxed parents :-)

It's really true! If we look at ourselves, stressed people have an unpleasant, disturbing effect on us. So how will our children be if we are constantly stressed?

The eight-hour day adopted by Robert Owen with the slogan "Eight hours of work, eight hours of leisure and relaxation and eight hours of sleep" is also followed by TCM, Ayurveda and herbal medicine. And how do we do that? First of all, we should take a look at our current everyday life. How is it structured? Perhaps write down: How many hours do you spend on office work and work around the home, shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.? How many hours do you sleep? How many hours do you have "free time"?

This can sometimes mix and cooking, baking or decorating can become a leisure activity. You just have to observe and look from above to see whether you have enough time to relax in your everyday life and whether and how you can integrate this time.

Every type - every individual - faces completely different challenges.

Pitta parents

For Pitta people, for example, it is a great challenge to tackle goals that they have previously pursued with ambition and motivation, step by step. If something does not go as planned, the Pitta type becomes a rather unpleasant fellow. Here it is important to find your happy medium. In your free time, it would be good to see yourself and your life a little more relaxed and to practice tolerance. The Pitta type gets stressed very quickly, especially with children! But being aware of this is a start. Observing yourself here and withdrawing and taking a deep breath before the inner fire erupts into a volcano. In this way, dear Pitta person, you practice dealing with your own feelings more calmly and become a predictable parent who is able to set an example of relaxation.

A diet with sweet, bitter and tart tastes can also help - heating foods should be avoided - as well as cooling, calming sports such as swimming or yoga and plenty of fresh air. Treatments such as massages with Pitta-reducing, grounding oils or a forehead pour are also recommended.

Vata parents

Vata people usually react strongly to changes. Changes and a hectic lifestyle can overstimulate or overwhelm. Your Vata dominance in your basic constitution ensures a high level of sensitivity in relation to your body and also your mind. Because you are curious and enthusiastic, you quickly get involved in too much. A busy day with work, household, children and your many own interests is extremely busy. The children have hobbies and interests that you naturally want to take on, you make everything possible, want to support, every day is different, the schedule is full from morning to night, you are on the go a lot. You risk being overwhelmed, nervous and stressed if you take on too much! What can help with a Vata imbalance? Regularity. Surprisingly, routines are good for children and us alike.Things we can all rely on: a set daily routine, structured, consistent food intake (breakfast, lunch, dinner, ideally at roughly the same times) and relaxing leisure activities such as being creative with painting, playing in the pool or doing crafts, going for walks or yoga. Yoga with children would certainly be a great idea and a nice part of your new daily routine. And how would you feel about mutual oil massages at the weekend?

Kapha parents

Kapha type people usually have a heavy build, are usually balanced and sociable and not easily upset. They are well equipped for everyday life with children and are calm and composed. But be careful! With the strong focus on calm in everyday life, the active part is in danger of being forgotten. Children are in their Kapha phase of life (up to around the age of nine).

Restriction of flexibility and aversion to change - physical inactivity also leads to an even lower digestive fire. Obesity, lack of exercise, depression and distraction are the consequences.

Movement, energy, activity - preferably in the fresh air and regular motivating exercise sessions should help to prevent a permanent state of lethargy. Even if rest does have its advantages, add a little variety to your daily routine every day! Swimming, cycling, running or dancing are all great sports that can work wonderfully with children.

And one more thing: "You eat what you have filled up!" should not be taken into account in the case of a Kapha disorder and obesity.