The Yoga rules

Most of us recognize the continuing escalation of violencearound us, due to intolerance, and many of us blame it onsomebody else. Parents teach their children, all the time, andwhen one of us displays "road rage," while our child is in thecar, we teach a brand new skill set.

Although, road rage is inappropriate behavior, at any time, andcan get you killed, most children who are exposed to it, willduplicate the actions of their parents, when they are old enoughto drive.

So the first step, is to set an example and, possibly, use someof these ideas, for yourself. Studies show that anger causesatherosclerosis, the build-up of plaques in the arteries, thatis a major factor in developing high blood pressure, heartdisease, heart attack, and premature death.

Also, during a "temper tantrum," adrenaline and blood pressurelevels rise beyond normal. This behavior is more dangerous toparent's bodies due to the normal "wear and tear" alreadyexisting.

Now, you may be convinced that anger can kill you, but let'slook at one more factor. You could hurt someone else, findyourself in prison, or get yourself killed due to incitingviolence against others. There are other people, who are havingdifficulty dealing with anger management too.

Back to our children: All children need exercise and they arenaturally full of energy. Look at any other species, and youwill see the same behavior. Should we drug our dogs, cats, andparrots, when they display youthful exuberance?

Children have to run, jump, and shout. So let them play in theback yard, in a park, and get them involved in sports, Yoga,dance, or martial arts. You will never regret letting your childenjoy life, constructively learn in the process, and just be akid.

For all of us, there is a time to be quiet and a time to shout.Children need years to learn this, so let's keep them active inthe process. Keep them away from the television, Internet, andvideo games, except for "rainy days." Coloring books, boardgames, and reading are also good activities for rainy days.

A heavy bag is a great tool for letting anger out. You and yourchild can use it together. You can learn to punch and kick it,for the aerobic benefits, as well. If you have a friend who is aboxer or martial artist, you could get some pointers. After justa 20-minute session, I guarantee you, and your child, will havedealt with anger - there will be little, if any, left.

Teach your child forgiveness, through your own example. I am notasking you to let people "walk all over you." However, letgrudges go; life is really too short to keep a feud going.

You can also control your child's "circle of friends," just bygetting him or her involved in, group activities such as: Leaguesports, dance, yoga, or martial arts. The parents who have theirchildren in these activities want the best for them and arewilling to sacrifice their time, or money, to get it.

This will keep your child busy, happy, and active, with apre-selected crowd of friends, who have parents that care. Thisis a "win - win" situation and well worth the investment.

This is not to say that every child you run into, at thesefunctions, will be perfect, but in the above mentionedactivities, all of them are structured, adult-supervised, andrules for behavior are in place. This form of organizationbecomes a habit, your child will follow these guidelines, andbring them home.

Here is another idea that will help. Have your child take careof a pet or a plant, every day. Children love to care foranimals or plants, but they still need supervision. The resultof this will be, your child learns compassion.

Compassion will keep anger "in check" every time.

About the author:Paul Jerard, is a co-owner/director of Yoga teacher training atAura Wellness Center. He has been a certified Master Yogateacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts.He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults,and seniors. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Rightfor You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new careeras a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org