CD reviews: Quiet Spaces; and Relax and De-stress

Encouraging a child to relax and concentrate in a world full of distractions is a challenge for most parents. Mother, trainee journalist and yoga enthusiast Deborah Nicholson explores two CDs from the Relax Kids range

Relax Kids claims its techniques can improve children's sleep, health, self-esteem, imagination, relationships and become balanced - fostering the ability to cope with stress and anxiety.

Relax kids

It works by teaching a child to use visualisation skills, through stories and exercise, to give them the tools to cope with stress and anxiety.

The products include CDs, books, DVDs, poster self-esteem and affirmation cards which can be used at home or school from age three upwards.

Additionally, the website www.relaxkids.com gives additional information and free downloads on how to use the Relax Kids range.

Quiet Spaces CD

This CD is a series of 16 simple bedtime meditations, designed for children aged over three. It claims to help with hyperactivity, deep relaxation, concentration, restful sleep, pain management and illness.

The tracks offer children techniques for relaxing the mind and body; some also contain gentle physical activity such as stretching. They cover different themes, including soft bed, quiet space and shower of light, all of which are about four to five minutes in length - about the right length for a young child.

The Relax and De-stress CD

This CD is for older children who need help dealing with difficult situations that leave them stressed and tense.

There are eight tracks ranging in length from five to 11 minutes. The promise is that the techniques help with anger management, anxiety, hyperactivity and stress. Visualisation, breathing and gentle exercises enable the child to manage his or her emotions.

Both CDs' tracks have restful background music with the narrator, Marneta Viegas, guiding the listener through visualisation, body awareness and breathing exercises.

The tracks are very restful and just listening to them in the car is likely to distract and relax a child. The website is worth referring to; it gives tips on making the most of the CDs, as there was limited guidance on the covers.

In summary

In my opinion the best approach is to start listening to the CDs a couple of minutes at a time and in a place where there are no distractions. Listening is a skill many children find difficult and requires practice.

Some of the visualisations, and the language, are perhaps conceptually advanced for children at the lower end of the recommended age range.

However, there are real potential benefits for most children. In my opinion, it's not just a case of playing the CDs and expecting instant results. The lessons will sink in by osmosis, through repetition and practice.

www.relaxkids.com