Building Confidence: Power Posing Practice
Power Posing Practice Power posing involves having kids take on a “strong” or “powerful” stance for short periods to boost their confidence and readiness to face challenges. Studies show that body language can significantly influence our mental state, and power poses, specifically, can help children feel more in control, focused, and resilient. Here’s a simple way to practice power posing with kids: 1. Introduce the Pose: Explain to kids that the way we stand and move affects how we feel. Show them a basic “superhero” pose: stand tall with feet apart, hands on hips, shoulders back, chest lifted, and chin slightly raised. Encourage them to feel strong, like a superhero ready to take on the world! 2. Start Small: Ask them to hold the pose for 30 seconds to a minute. During this time, remind them to stand tall and breathe deeply. Explain that they’re practicing “feeling powerful” by holding a strong position. 3. Add Visualization: After a few tries, introduce visualization. Ask them to imagine themselves in a challenging situation—maybe they’re about to present in class, try a new sport, or face something they’re nervous about. Encourage them to see themselves succeeding while they hold the pose. This helps them connect the physical stance with a sense of confidence in their minds. 4. Encourage Self-Affirmations: While in the power pose, have kids say a positive affirmation, like “I am strong,” “I can handle this,” or “I am brave.” Saying these out loud or in their heads reinforces the positive feelings created by the pose. 5. Practice Before Challenging Situations: Encourage kids to use power posing before they face any situation that feels intimidating. It could be a school test, meeting new friends, or trying something unfamiliar. By associating the pose with success, they build a positive pre-challenge ritual. 6. Discuss Feelings: After practicing the pose, ask them how they feel. Often, kids notice they feel more confident, focused, and ready to tackle challenges. This reflection helps them understand the connection between posture, mindset, and emotions.