Creative Strategies in Working

with Children/Adolescents

Lisa Karch, PhD, NCC, NCSC

Assistant Professor, MSUM

OverviewWash Away TensionStress and Our ChildrenEffects of StressMethods of RelaxationYoga Activity

Wash Away Tension

Stress and Our ChildrenThe public is increasingly aware of stress and its effects on children.Experts estimate that up to 75% of all medical disorders are directly influenced by stress.We need to break the cycle of stress in our children’s lives.Stressful events fall along an entire spectrum.

Stress and…Modern Media – average 18-year-old has spent nearly 16,000 hours in front of the television, while only 13,000 hours are spent in the classroom.Expectations – children feel pressure at an early age from well-intentioned adults.

Effects of StressStress creates many physiological changes.Human body is effected by stress in predictable ways.Close relation between stress and anxiety.Anxiety is fear when there is no physical danger.Adult anxiety was often learned during childhood.

Effects of StressAnxiety may cause lower performance on intelligence.Anxiety reduces a child’s ability to learn.Several behaviors related to anxiety which interfere with problem-solving ability.Highly anxious children often display attention-seeking behaviors.

Methods of RelaxationWe all possess a natural mechanism to fight stress.Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Hyperactive ChildrenLearning ProblemsRegular Learners

Methods of RelaxationActive ImaginationSelf-TalkMusicPositive VisualizationsYoga

Positive VisualizationsI Am The Boss Of My FeelingsDo You Ever Mix Up Sads & Mads?Turn Your Stress Into SuccessWhat’s Going On In Your HeadWorries Can Wing Themselves Away

Yoga ActivityYoga Pretzels

50 Fun Yoga Activities for Kids & GrownupsThe ABCs of Yoga for Kids

ReferencesThe ABCs of Yoga for Kids by Teresa PowerPositive Visualizations by Victoria CullReady…Set…R.E.L.A.X. by Jeffrey Allen, M.Ed. And Roger Klein, Psy.D.Yoga Pretzels by Tara Guber and Leah Kalish