In the here and now instead of on WhatsApp
These days, distractions lurk in our pockets, especially among young people: answering a quick WhatsApp message, liking a picture. Their minds are always on the go. Not surprising, because the brain releases dopamine with every new stimulus - this neurotransmitter makes you feel good. However, this is how our children are rewarded for inattention and lack of concentration.
Dealing better with feelings
The frontal brain, the prefrontal cortex, where the director ensures that we keep our emotions in check, suppress impulses and control ourselves. During puberty, this part of the brain is a major construction site - it has to rebuild itself. This is an essential developmental step. Because in addition to intelligence and knowledge, a happy, successful life also requires the ability to control oneself. Success is based on self-control, time management, creativity, flexibility, attentiveness, forward-looking planning and goal-orientated action. A lot can therefore be achieved with self-control - including with digital media. Whether internet offers, the possibilities of smartphones or tablets enrich the lives of our children depends heavily on their ability to use them consciously. It therefore depends on their ability to exercise self-control. Mindfulness can support this. It's about learning not to get lost in thoughts, but to pause and focus on the here and now. And thus to organise your own life more consciously and responsibly. Concentration is not just a matter of will; it can be improved through training. Chess, football or the martial art of taekwondo, for example, are conducive to it - they strengthen self-discipline and help with character development. Studies have shown that this also improves working memory.
Practising mindfulness
Mindfulness exercises have the same positive effects, teaching us to be more aware and attentive to our surroundings in everyday life. Digital media can be a part of this. Young people today no longer differentiate between online and offline. For example, explore your familiar surroundings with your son or daughter. Everyone pricks up their ears. Does a noise stand out? Is one particularly annoying? Can you hear voices? Footsteps? Water? Traffic? Capture the sounds with your smartphone's recording function and then listen to the recordings together at home. Take the rest of the family with you on this sound walk. Alternatively, you can also explore the surroundings in pictures. However, make sure that the smartphone is set to flight mode during the exercise so that you and your child can fully focus on the environment. Simple rules can also help to focus attention. For your children, for example: Look the other person in the eye when you're talking to them. And for you as a parent: put your mobile phone away when your child asks you something.
Picture: www.pexels.com
