We all know about the many benefits of performing yoga alone. A scheduled yoga session carves time away from your day to focus on breath, movement, and relaxation, allowing you to destress and rejuvenate. While practicing yoga alone can be immensely beneficial, you can also partake in yoga with a partner, best friend, or child.

Practicing yoga with your child can give you both time to prioritize tranquility and bond with one another. Beyond yoga’s physical and mental health benefits, engaging in yoga with your child can help you forge a deeper emotional connection together and cultivate a shared practice of togetherness without the influence of technology or cell phones.

Here are 5 key benefits of doing yoga with your child.

Physical Fitness and Flexibility

Though yoga is often performed by adults, children can also enhance their flexibility and strength through various poses and flows. In performing yoga with a parent, children can improve their balance, build muscle strength, and advance their flexibility, all with the guidance of a mom or dad.

These practices support children’s physical development and encourage key bodily movement at a time when less than a quarter of children (24%) participate in one hour of physical activity each day.  By exercising and practicing yoga with your child, you are encouraging them to develop lasting habits around fitness and exercise, which will benefit them for years to come.

Enhanced Concentration and Focus

In a time when many children (and adults) are distracted by cell phones and video games, solidifying the ability to focus and concentrate is key. Scheduled yoga practice, especially a session without screens, is a great way to step away from technology and focus on the present. Yoga requires participants to pay attention to their breath as they move into and hold different stretches and positions.

In staying still in these stretches and focusing on how the air moves through your body, you and your child are both able to improve your attention span and feel the sensations around you. By practicing yoga with your child, you both have a precious opportunity to embrace mindfulness and accept a reprieve from the distraction of technology, at least for a time. By making yoga with your child a habit, you’re fostering key skills in patience and focus, which they can use to succeed in the classroom or other extracurricular activities.

Stress Relief and Emotional Well-Being

Both children and adults encounter stress in their lives, but adults, with their long history of encountering and overcoming adversities, are often better equipped to handle the emotional turmoil that comes along with it. Though academic pressures and school drama may seem trivial to parents, to a child that is only just learning how to regulate their emotions, these events can be extremely challenging.

Yoga encourages relaxation through deep breathing and stretching, providing children with a safe outlet to release tension and process emotions. Additionally, by practicing yoga as a family or encouraging your child to partake in BFF yoga time with one of their friends, you are carving out a time for you and your child to meditate and process emotions fostering a safe space and encouraging open communication.

Bonding and Communication

Finding time in your busy schedule to genuinely bond and engage with your child can be difficult. Between work, school, extracurriculars, and other household tasks, it can be increasingly difficult to spend time alone with your child, especially with the influence of technology and social media.

By setting aside time for yoga, however, both parent and child gain genuine 1:1 time together to bond outside of the everyday routine. This shared experience encourages healthy connections outside of yoga as well, opening the door to meaningful discussions and more open communication.

Body Positivity and Self-Love

Yoga is deeply connected to gratitude for the body. During each practice, it’s important to take time to thank yourself both for taking the time to yourself engage in yoga and also thank your body for all the work it has done. By emphasizing gratitude for the body at a young age, children learn early that they should love their body and properly appreciate everything they accomplish with it.

In yoga, your body’s capabilities and achievements are celebrated instead of your appearance.  In flowing through poses with your child, you can emphasize the skills of attuning to your body and embracing all its facets, even those that make yoga more challenging. This positive reinforcement can help children avoid the self-criticism and self-consciousness that becomes so common as they age and learn a more balanced perspective of body image.

The Basic Principles of Yoga for Children

Your child may be too young to understand the full complexity and principles of yoga when you first start practicing together. This is okay! When introducing your child to yoga, you only need to introduce them to the basic few principles:

Exercises (Asanas): The most visible aspect of yoga is the movement through poses. Teaching your child to follow your movements and to stop when there is pain or discomfort is one of the most important yogi principles.

Breathing (Pranayama): The backbone of yoga. You must teach your child to focus on their breath and try to stay connected to their breathing throughout the session.

Relaxation (Pratyahara), Meditation (Dhyana) & Concentration (Dharana): A child’s mind is more wont to wander than any adult’s, but encouraging your child to focus on the present will allow them to embrace the relaxation.

Union (Samadhi) & Discipline (Yamas): After you are done practicing yoga, you should point out to your child how yoga and meditation can change other aspects of their life. Yoga does not stop when the session is done.

Setting aside time for yoga in your family can provide many benefits for both parent and child. From promoting physical health to personal body image, yoga provides a great way to holistically tend to your child’s development and promote emotional bonding.  Whether you’ve each practiced yoga before, or you’re both trying something new, yoga with your child will encourage enhanced well-being in you both and create memories that will last for years.

Incorporating modern practices, such as online yoga, can complement your traditional routines with your child while providing flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re new to yoga or have practiced for years, exploring diverse methods can enhance your shared experiences and strengthen the benefits gained from this mindful activity. Online platforms offer structured programs that align with various skill levels and schedules, making it easier to commit to the practice together.

Additional Resources

Incorporating modern practices, such as online yoga, can complement your traditional routines with your child while providing flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re new to yoga or have practiced for years, exploring diverse methods can enhance your shared experiences and strengthen the benefits gained from this mindful activity. Online platforms offer structured programs that align with various skill levels and schedules, making it easier to commit to the practice together.

Welcoming a furry friend into your family is a joyous and life-enriching experience. However, along with the laughter and cuddles, comes the essential lesson of responsibility. Teaching your kids the responsibility of pet ownership is a valuable life lesson that instills empathy, commitment, and care.

While it might seem challenging at times, the rewards of seeing your children grow into compassionate and accountable pet owners are immeasurable.

Lead by Example: Demonstrating Responsibility

Lead by Example: Demonstrating Responsibility

Children learn best by observing their parents and caregivers. As a pet owner, model the behavior you wish to see in your children. Younger kids are innocently unaware of the need for sensitivity , especially with small pets, so if you’re considering a hamster or guinea pig, small pets genie can help you better equip your kids and yourself.

Explain why these tasks are crucial for the pet’s well-being and happiness. Your actions will leave a lasting impression on your kids and encourage them to emulate your responsible behavior. If you have brought home a good family dog for a first time owner, this is the perfect time to let your children witness you feed, groom, and spend quality time with your pet.

Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks

Every child is unique, and so are their capabilities. Assign age-appropriate tasks that match your child’s abilities and understanding. Younger children can assist with tasks like refilling water bowls and gentle playtime, while older kids can take on more responsibilities, such as feeding, grooming, and cleaning up after the pet. Tailoring the tasks to each child’s age and maturity level will make them feel involved and capable. Younger children can assist with tasks like:

• Feeding Assistance: While they may not handle the entire feeding routine, younger kids can help scoop pet food into bowls or pour water into water dispensers. This simple act introduces them to the concept of providing for another living being’s needs.

• Playtime and Interaction: Engaging in gentle playtime with the pet can be an ideal task for younger children. They can toss a ball for a dog, dangle a feather toy for a cat, or observe fish in an aquarium. This fosters a sense of companionship and responsibility.

Meanwhile, older kids can take on more responsibilities, such as:

• Feeding and Scheduled Meals: Older children can take charge of feeding their pets at scheduled times. Teach them about portion control and the importance of consistent feeding routines.

• Grooming and Hygiene: Depending on the type of pet, grooming tasks like brushing fur, trimming nails, and cleaning ears can be assigned. This teaches them about the significance of proper hygiene and maintenance.

• Cleaning and Tidying: Assign the task of cleaning the pet’s living area to older kids. This could involve cleaning the litter box, cleaning cages, or vacuuming around shedding areas. These tasks highlight the importance of a clean environment for the pet’s well-being.

Educate About Pet Needs: Understanding Basic Care

Teaching responsibility goes hand in hand with education. Educate your children about the specific needs of your pet, whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, or fish. Explain the importance of regular veterinary check-ups. Involve them in researching and learning about their pet’s breed or species, helping them understand the unique traits and requirements. Those who care for pets need to be concerned about providing dental health, proper nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation.

Consistency and Routine

Consistency is key when teaching responsibility. Establish a daily routine that revolves around your pet’s needs. This routine will not only ensure the well-being of your pet but also help your children develop a sense of structure and time management. Encourage them to stick to the schedule, reinforcing the understanding that their commitment directly impacts the pet’s health and happiness.

Encouraging Problem-Solving

Pet ownership comes with its fair share of challenges – from a sick pet to a torn toy. Use these situations as teaching moments. Encourage your kids to brainstorm solutions to problems that arise. How can they make their pet feel better? What can they do to prevent similar mishaps in the future? By involving them in the process of finding solutions, you’re nurturing their critical thinking skills and fostering a proactive approach to responsibility. This approach also reinforces that pet ownership is a dynamic journey requiring continuous learning and adaptability.

Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledging Efforts

Whether it’s a small pet or a large pet, positive reinforcement is a powerful tool when teaching kids responsibility. Recognize and acknowledge their efforts, no matter how small. Praise them when they remember to feed the pet without being reminded, or when they clean up after their pet without being asked. Use verbal affirmations, small rewards, or special outings as a way to show appreciation for their commitment. This positivity not only boosts their self-esteem but also reinforces the idea that being responsible brings about a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

In the beautiful journey of guiding your children to embrace the responsibilities of pet ownership, you’re sowing the seeds of empathy, compassion, and self-discipline. By leading through example, assigning age-appropriate tasks, educating about pet needs, emphasizing consistency, teaching consequences, encouraging problem-solving, and practicing positive reinforcement, you’re nurturing well-rounded individuals who understand the importance of caring for others and fulfilling commitments. As they watch their furry friends thrive under their care, they’ll realize the profound impact of their actions, creating lasting memories and values that will resonate throughout their lives.

In the academic publishing process, no researcher works in a vacuum.  They expand upon the work of others from the past and present to expand knowledge on a subject.  From the architectural design of pyramids in Egypt, to scientific advancements in medicine, to the exploration of space – there are multiple layers of advancement over time.

Within any field, where studies are done, experiments made, and the testing of theories – everything needs to be verified within the framework of the present day.  Otherwise, nothing would advance and almost everything would fall apart.  One of the important ways scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and biologists test their work is through peer review.

Definition of Peer Review

We all have peers.  It is often people the same age as us but can also be those who are playing a sport together or striving together to reach a common goal.  In academia, it is people with similar education and those working in the same field of study.

Peer review happens when someone researching a subject submits a paper, article, or scholarly work to be reviewed by their peers in the same area of expertise.  These peers evaluate the work to check for mistakes and to verify quality and accuracy.  The findings of the author must meet the standards of the day within any field.  Only when it is found to be credible can it be published.

How Peer Review Improves Knowledge

Submitting academic materials for publishing does not automatically guarantee a stamp of approval. Part of the peer review process allows for multiple minds to offer valuable feedback to the author.  This ensures the work is improved upon to address concerns so that the creator can make revisions as needed.  The goal for all parties involved is to ensure that a ‘fact checked’ and verified document is presented that will benefit society.  It will add to the accumulated and growing work that has already been laid out for future development.

Steps Involved in the Peer Review Process

The peer review process can be quite lengthy but is essential in maintaining a standard of excellence from start to finish.

Submission

Authors submit their research manuscripts or articles to academic journals, conferences, or other scholarly publications for consideration.

Editorial Evaluation

The editor-in-chief or editorial team assesses the submission’s suitability for the journal’s scope and content. Some submissions might be rejected at this stage if they don’t meet the journal’s criteria.

Initial Screening

Editors may conduct an initial screening to check for compliance with formatting, ethical guidelines, source materials, and other basic requirements. Submissions that pass this screening move to the next step.

Reviewer Selection

Editors select experts in the field (peer reviewers) to evaluate the submission’s quality, methodology, relevance, and overall contribution to the field.

Peer Review

Reviewers thoroughly read and assess the submission, evaluating factors such as the research design, methodology, analysis, validity of findings, clarity of writing, and adherence to ethical standards.

Peer Review Reports

Reviewers provide detailed feedback to the authors through peer review reports. These reports highlight strengths and weaknesses, suggest improvements, and recommend whether the submission should be accepted, revised, or rejected.

Editorial Decision

Based on the peer review reports, the editor decides. Possible decisions include acceptance, rejection, minor revisions, major revisions, or conditional acceptance pending revisions.

Author Revisions

If revisions are required, authors make the necessary changes to address the reviewers’ comments and suggestions. Revisions might involve adjusting the methodology, clarifying concepts, expanding the discussion, or providing additional data.

Resubmission

Authors submit the revised manuscript along with a detailed response explaining how they addressed the reviewers’ feedback.

Second Review (Optional)

In some cases, particularly for major revisions or contentious decisions, the revised manuscript might undergo a second round of peer review to ensure that the requested changes have been appropriately addressed.

Final Decision

The editor reviews the revisions and the authors’ response. The final decision can be acceptance, rejection, or further revisions. If accepted, the manuscript moves on to the production and publication phase.

Publication

Once accepted, the manuscript undergoes copyediting, formatting, and typesetting to prepare it for publication. It is then published in the respective journal, conference proceedings, or other academic platforms.

This video explains the benefits and procedures that entail the reviewing of submissions by peers in any field of study.

Peer Review | Challenges and Criticisms

The peer review process is time consuming venture for all parties involved.  Challenges and criticisms are intertwined.

Bias and Subjectivity

Peer reviewers might introduce personal biases, favoritism, or preferences that can impact the assessment of a submission’s quality and relevance.

Slow and Inefficient

The peer review process can be time-consuming, leading to delays in sharing new research findings with the academic community. This is particularly true for journals with long review timelines.

Lack of Diversity

The pool of available peer reviewers might lack diversity in terms of perspectives, backgrounds, and methodologies, which could lead to narrow viewpoints and exclusion of certain research perspectives.

Inconsistent Standards

Reviewers’ interpretations of quality and relevance can vary, resulting in inconsistent standards for acceptance or rejection across different reviewers or journals.

Publication Bias

Journals are more likely to publish studies with positive results or significant findings, leading to potential omission of valuable negative or inconclusive results.

Undetected Errors

Peer reviewers might miss errors, methodological flaws, or inaccuracies in the manuscript, which can compromise the integrity of the published research.

Pressure to Conform

Reviewers might be hesitant to criticize well-known researchers or challenge established ideas, leading to a lack of critical scrutiny of influential work.

Conflicts of Interest

Reviewers with conflicts of interest, such as personal relationships or professional rivalries, could potentially affect their impartial evaluation of a manuscript.

Lack of Transparency

The anonymity of the peer review process can make it difficult to identify reviewers’ biases or verify the thoroughness of their assessments.

Limited Feedback

Authors often receive feedback that focuses on revisions for publication rather than deeper engagement with their research, potentially hindering the improvement of the work.

Unintentional Stifling of Novel Ideas

Radical or unconventional ideas may face resistance in the peer review process, limiting the exploration of innovative concepts.

Pressure on Reviewers

Reviewers are typically unpaid volunteers, and the workload can be overwhelming, leading to potential burnout and reduced quality of reviews.

Benefits of Peer Review in Research

Despite the complexity of the many challenges researchers face – from bringing the spark of an idea or theory to the point where everyone can learn from it – the peer review process is not going anywhere.  How else would the problems of the past be solved with effective solutions?  What would our future look like without a body of verified knowledge?

Mathematics, science, medicine, technology, biology, and engineering endeavors are all interconnected throughout our world.  Peer review provides the checks and balances for research that is completed and submitted.  This builds stronger societies for the benefit of all. Information is reviewed and shared to increase efficiency and prolong life for people throughout the world.

Benefits that we have not already covered include the opportunity for writers to; correct vague terms and concepts, facilitate concise writing, see other perspectives, and gives the writer confidence when affirmed.

Peer review also empowers the next big revolutionary idea.  Perhaps it will be you, but you won’t have to bear the burden by yourself.  Peers will be there to support you and ultimately protect you from your mistakes, which are always a part of everyone’s journey to create something wonderful beyond ourselves.  Not in a vacuum, but in a world where everyone is connected.

As parents, you may constantly remind your children to be careful online. However, the digital world is ever-changing, so you may not be aware of all the risks. Parents are often guilty of practicing unsafe online habits without realizing it. Here are five ways you might unknowingly risk your child’s online safety.

1.  Not Knowing Their Favorite Websites

There are myriad social media and gaming websites children love to go on. Unfortunately, unsavory individuals will often target the kids on these sites. A recent study found 16% of minors faced sexual abuse on websites. One measure to help prevent this is knowing where your child goes on the internet.

Learn where they go and keep up with any information about the site. Learn whether or not it’s intended for kids, or has children and adults. Know what the website lets them do — chat, post pictures or share videos — and discuss with your child what is and isn’t appropriate for those posts. Consider creating a profile to explore the website or ask your child for their account information so you can take a look if you suspect something is happening.

2.  Not Educating Them on the Risks

You might want to protect your child’s innocence, but it is vital to be honest about the types of threats they could face online. Your child should understand people could cyberbully them, post inappropriate things or try to lure them into a dangerous real-world situation. They probably shouldn’t be on their devices unsupervised if they cannot.

Thanks to people online, knowledge is power and your child is more likely to take your warnings seriously if they learn about actual cases where kids were hurt. Go over them in an age-appropriate manner and discuss what precautions they can take to avoid experiencing the same thing.

3.  Posting Their Information

Even if your children don’t have their own social media accounts, they may still have a digital footprint. A digital footprint encompasses all of the information about a person that can be found online. So how can a child have a digital footprint if they haven’t posted anything? From their parents.

The internet can seem like a great way to share your child’s accomplishments with friends and family, but what you put online is there forever. Many adults do not realize that once you post something online, no matter how private you think your account is, it’s no longer in your control.

When was the last time you checked your privacy settings? How many “friends” or followers do you have on social media? Many things could impact your child’s online reputation. Something as simple as a back-to-school photo or their first name could be a tool for someone to track them.

Avoid posting your children’s full names, personal information and locations. Remember that any photos you upload will be part of their digital footprint forever. From future employers to online predators, anyone could have access to that information.

4.  Not Updating Your Devices

All devices have bugs or outdated software occasionally. That’s why it’s necessary to let your computer, tablet and other electronics update when you get the alert to do it. Otherwise, you leave yourself and your child vulnerable to potential hackers.

It doesn’t just apply to devices they can use to get online but machines that use the internet as a tool. For example, some smart security cameras can get hacked and predators can use them to talk to or spy on your children. Keeping everything up to date can help prevent those instances.

5.  Having Insecure Passwords

Your passwords are your primary defense against unauthorized people snooping through or using your account. It’s important to use passwords that are hard to crack. Doing so can prevent hackers from getting your kid’s info, and prevents your child from guessing the password and logging on without your knowledge.

Don’t put personal information in your passwords, such as your name, age or career. Also, avoid your child’s name or birthday, and your pet’s name. Anything someone could easily link to you isn’t a good idea for your password.

It’s tricky because you want a password you can remember. Consider choosing a random television character or your favorite food. Your password should have uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Many websites now have automated password generators that combine random numbers, letters and symbols that you can write down in a safe place and save on your browser.

Keeping Your Child Safe Online

The internet is such a prominent part of daily life that it can be easy to forget the potential dangers. While it’s important to educate your children on the risks, you also need to educate yourself. You can keep your children safe online by improving your own digital habits.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
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