Why Wellness Belongs in After-School Programs By Patricia Lemos Oliveira, Founder of Upside Down Yoga Kids It's 3:15 on a Tuesday. The school bell has rung, and a group of children walks into your community center, library, or classroom. One is still upset about a moment at recess. Another hasn't stopped moving since lunch. A third hasn't said a word all day. In the next hour, what happens in that room can shape how those children feel for the rest of the evening, and how they come to see...

The October Wobble: Why Kids Feel "Off" Six Weeks Into School By Patricia Lemos Oliveira, Founder of Upside Down Yoga Kids Remember those first days of school? New backpacks, new friends, and that bright, nervous excitement. Now it's October, and for many families something has shifted. Maybe your child is melting down the moment they walk through the door. Maybe bedtime has become a battle, or your usually easygoing kid is suddenly tearful over a sock that "feels wrong." If this sounds...

In today's fast-paced world, children have access to endless entertainment and stimulation. While activities, technology, and structured programs can offer many benefits, it is also important for children to experience moments of boredom. Boredom is not a sign that something is wrong. In fact, it can be an important part of healthy development. When children are not immediately occupied by a screen, toy, or activity, they are encouraged to use their imagination, think creatively, and explore...