Kids just wanna have fun...

We had a wonderful evening with our Champions For Change children last night. This is a state-wide USDA funded program we deliver in partnership with Marin County Health & Human Services Nutrition Wellness Program. LIFT / Levántate delivers the physical activity and life skills mentoring to Latino families in the Canal area of San Rafael.

We began the evening with a little family hula-hooping and then some Zumba dancing that got everyone on their feet, parents and children alike. We then moved the children next door to our activity room for specialized physical activities that are non-competitive and non-skill based, yet fun and engaging. The goal is participation. Get up, get moving and have fun doing it!

Usually the children range in age from 6-14 years old, but this night we had the young ones. The age range was from 3-10 years old and they just about melted our hearts. They giggled and laughed and moved their bodies in many different directions. They Zumba danced (or something resembling Zumba dancing), they did Shape of Yoga which twisted their little bodies into fruit and vegetable shapes and then Power Up, a strength and coordination program geared for youth and families. We finished with some bunny hopping and side stepping and then a relaxing cool-down.

What made this an extra special evening, and they are always wonderful evenings, was the complete joy that comes from participating fully. They were not focused on "doing it right" or "doing it better" than the person next to them. They were literally "jumping for joy". They were happy being active, alive and part of a group that was sharing a healthy, positive experience together. These are not the kind of experiences one gets from hours of screen time sitting on a couch alone.

And their laughter...and their giggles...and their smiles...and their hugs. They didn't want to let go of the moment. And neither did we.

Bringing out the best in kids...

Wednesday October 20, 2010

Sometimes we adults make it harder than it needs to be when working with children. To bring out the best in children and teens, expect the best.

In our afterschool programs and at our wellness workshops, we ask young participants to be our partners and to act like young men and young women. If they start to lose focus or a case of the "uncontrollable sillies" breaks out, we give them a moment to compose themselves either with the group or away from the group. We don't admonish them, plead with them or get angry with them, we simply ask them to remember what we are here to do and redirect them back to the task at hand.

The response is usually a full recovery and a sense of self-confidence that they are responsible for their own behavior. There's also the re-affirmation that we believe in them and care about their feelings.

Funny, but bringing out the best in the kids also brings about the best in us...or is it the other way around.

Richard Waxman
President/Founder
LIFT and Levántate!