Tags: creative collaborations in Davao City Philippines Edge Davao Kids Yoga Lifestyle Blogger in Manila Philippines Mari Capuno Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Mom Blogger Philippines Mommy blog Mommy blogger in Manila Philippines
One of the challenges parents face in this modern age is how to get little ones out of a passive lifestyle — unplugged and disconnected from the gadget world. The fast and continuous developments in technology and connectivity make it inevitable for households to be devoid of smart devices, and it’s hard dismiss the fact that we do benefit immensely from all the conveniences and good they offer. However, when it comes to raising children, much attention is drawn towards getting kids more active — off the couch and up and about.
While sports is always a top choice for parents to encourage skills training through body dynamics that involve strategy, teamwork, and discipline, another way to involve children in mind work and physical play is through arts and movement.
Kids’ yoga. Photo courtesy of Mari Capuno.
A lot of studies have shown that free movement give children room to develop self-awareness, aiding them to discover non-verbal styles of communication, as well as understand and appreciate their own being and abilities.
“Arts and movement are beneficial to every child’s brain, social, emotional and physical development,” explains Alyssa Marie Capuno, owner of Mari Yoga Dance Studio in Davao City. “Art feeds the children’s creativity. It allows them to tap into their emotions and learn self-expression thru different art forms. Art also picks your child’s brain, improving their focus and attention span.”
Dance and movement. Photo courtesy of Mari Capuno.
She adds, “Movement, on the other hand, help strengthen a child’s body. They learn about their range of motion, balance, muscle strength, coordination, and endurance. Movement also helps in eye-hand-body coordination, which will be put to good use as they eventually grow into adults.”
Mari feels a deep connection to children, which explains her interest and commitment in putting up kiddie boot camps in her studio, replete with creative and interactive programs.
“I’ve always been drawn to kids. I am in awe of their openness and courage to try new things without the fear of being judged by peers. However, comparing my childhood from 20 years back to kids nowadays, I feel like kids today need more connection — more ‘human touch’ or a better grip of the world outside their tablets. I wanted to create a venue with activities that allow kids today to be like the kids we were 20 years ago — how we had so much fun even with the simple means of play and enjoyment. At the same time, I want to boost their confidence to open up and realize their own potential.”
Children’s boot camp. Photo courtesy of Mari Capuno.
During the summer season, Mari put together a boot camp where kids were taught yoga, basic and imaginative dance class, yoga theater presentation, bento box making, and art lessons. Plans for another children’s arts and movement assembly have yet to be finalized and announced.
Asked for simple ways parents can to nurture their kid’s creativity, she shares, “You can involve the little ones in preparing their snack or meal to bring to school. A no-frills sandwich shaped like a heart or a star, or sliced fruits formed as a flower, would do the trick. Let your kids help along and, at the same time, teach them the benefits of the leafy greens and other food sources. You can also set up an art wall in one corner of the house. Place a chalk board or white board on the wall, where the kids are free to draw and write anything they want. This gives them the freedom to express how they feel and release their creative juices!”
For updates and information on yoga classes for adults and upcoming boot camps for kids, follow @MariYogaDanceStudio on Facebook and @mari_yogadance_studio on Instagram. You may also call +63 956 967 2096.
Story also published on my Metro Mom column in Edge Davao newspaper.
