Ayurveda and Children

Having had a baby myself just 8 months ago, I’ve watched him carefully to see which dosha he may be.

It astounds me how “dosha specific” a child can be from day one, if he is observed closely enough.

Generally speaking, here are some examples of how the doshas will show themselves in children, and how you can best approach a child of a specific dosha.

Vata children tend to be almost ”elf-like” in appearance. Slight, and sometimes, even frail looking, these wispy kids don’t stay with one thing for very long. They tend to change toys or games very quickly, losing interest almost before the game’s begun. There just always seems to be something more interesting somewhere else. These kids aren’t concerned with eating, in the least. They eat barely enough to feed a bird.

The best way to approach these kids is to have plenty for them to do, but also, teach them how to calm down. These children need a point in their day, when they can quiet their minds and relax. Often, this is best done around nap time or bed time. But any time of the day that works for you and your child, will benefit them immensely, and teach them a valuable lesson for the future.

Pitta Children are passionate kids. They often have very emotional temper tantrums. They can be very dramatic and very competitive. That said, they usually don’t go to extremes in anything they do, unless your talking about temper. The pitta child will have an average build, and an average appetite.

The best way to approach these kids is to get them involved in team sports. They need an outlet for their competitive nature. But at home, it will be vital to teach them that life isn’t all competition. Another vital lesson for these kids is “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”, as these kids can be judgmental from time to time as well.

Kapha kids really are teddy bears in the truest sense of the phrase. They tend to be of “thicker” stature, and are very easy-going, cuddly kids. They have a very good appetite, and will usually eat whatever they can get their hands on. They tend to enjoy quieter activities, and given the chance, will sit in front of the TV all day long with a bag of chips.

The best way to approach these kids is to get them up and moving. Playing out doors is vital for kapha kids. They need the movement and exercise, although they may not always immediately enjoy the idea of leaving their comfy couch. They actually have great stamina once they get moving. But keep in mind, that competition can be intimidating for these lil’ guys. Sports that don’t include competition are much more likely to be enjoyed. Also, be sure that the foods available to them are healthy and appropriate for the kapha dosha, since gaining weight can be a real issue for these darlings.

What do you do to help your kids learn to stay balanced? Comment here, or email me!

Namaste
Tiffany

 

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Originally posted 2008-06-04 07:12:22. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Make your own baby food

It always amazes me how much money people will spend on all those jars of baby food every week. Not only is the food inside those jars barely passable as food, but it’s expensive! You spend all that money, and your baby just isn’t getting the natural nutrition that regular, healthy food can provide.

Not convinced? Consider this:

• The government allows a certain amount of rat feces to be present in baby food. (you can find the legal amounts in reports at your local library)
• They boil the food to death to sterilize it, cooking out all the natural vitamins and minerals, and then add them back in with the bottled version.
• While organic baby food is better, it still goes through the same processes of manufacturing, and still as an allotment for rat feces.
• Babies tend to eat much more of the jar food simply because their little bodies are trying to get the nutrients they need. So they get more empty calories, contributing to the raise in childhood obesity.

So if that has you convinced at last, here is the solution. Make your own baby food! It’s cheap, easy, quick and healthy. Here’s what you do.

1. Steam a bag of veggies like you would for your own dinner.
2. Put them in a bowl (for hand blender) or blender.
3. Blend with enough distilled water to achieve the consistency of baby food.
4. That’s it!

If you want fruit, simply peel, and run through the blender with distilled water.

If you have a hand blender, the cleanup is even easier. If you really want to go the healthier route, try buying organic fruits veggies. And if your Ayurvedic practitioner has prescribed dosha specific food for your baby, use those fruits and veggies.

It’s so easy! My son has never had the stuff out of jar. He has only had organic fruits and veggies prepared in this way.

Note:  Babies need a chance to get used to this food if they are just starting to eat, or have been eating the jarred stuff. If they make funny faces, it does NOT mean they don’t like it. It’s just their natural reaction to new flavors and textures. You know your baby doesn’t like something when he won’t open his mouth, or cries when you give him a certain food. But if he/she is only making funny faces, and continues to open their mouth for more food, then continue to give it to them. After a while, the funny faces will disappear.

Originally posted 2008-07-17 20:43:43. Republished by Old Post Promoter