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Unwinding the Kids

Why Children Need to Relax Too

By Mark Stackpole

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At bedtime, a favorite ritual for Susanne and Mathew is to sit down with a children's encyclopedia. Mathew picks a letter of the alphabet, and Susanne reads the entries for that letter to him. The benefit is not only unwinding at the end of a busy day, but also learning new and exciting facts.

Concepts like relaxation and balance may mean different things to different people, but they should be a priority in the life of every family. Dave Burcin wants his children to be active but understands the importance of keeping things in perspective. "We need to find time for all of us as people and for the family as a whole," he says. "We have to keep ourselves sane if we are going to keep our family balanced."

Unwinding the Kids

Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis has some tips for parents who want to help their kids unwind during busy times:

  • Give value to relaxing and let the kids see you do it. Make time for leisure, playing and doing whatever rejuvenates you.
  • "Do nothing" with the kids. Play with them on the floor, run around the backyard or listen to a book on tape.
  • Honor and encourage their passions, especially the older kids. Give them lots of time to engage in whatever it is that they really love to do.


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