20 September is World Day of the Child. A good reason to look at the development opportunities and rights of all children in this world.

A large proportion of children in poorer countries suffer from deficiencies that are unimaginable to us: Food, education and care are not enough for a decent life. It is a major task of the rich countries to provide effective help here.

A large proportion of children in rich countries suffer from affluence: Over- and malnutrition, an overabundance of information, and social neglect also make these children victims of the misguided development in society. It is a great task for all of us to give these children the right measure for life and a sense of security.

Children learn best by example and by doing things together. If joint activities are also combined with some fun, the learning effect is even greater.

Joint activities with children are also very beneficial for adults. The great Ayurvedic doctor Dr. B. D. Triguna, who worked intensively with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the renewal and globalisation of Ayurveda in the 1980s, had a particularly effective health tip for stressed people: "Play with children for an hour several times a week!" How does this extraordinary health measure work? It decelerates, makes you humble and innocent, lets your own ego fade into the background.

So engaging with children is a win-win situation for both. And the younger the children, the stronger this effect.

Ritual 1: Oil massage

Dr. Jasmin Blumenberg, senior paediatrician at the University Hospital in Minden, is convinced of the effect of baby and child massage. She has been massaging her 8-year-old daughter every day since she was a baby. The gentle and skilful hands glide lovingly, but also forcefully in some parts of the body, over her daughter's head, arms, torso and legs. And she does this every day before she goes to sleep. Depending on the time available, only the soles of the feet and forehead or larger parts of the body are oiled and massaged. She uses very little Vata massage oil with a drop of Vata aroma oil so that the oil can be absorbed well. Finally, there is always time together with reading aloud snuggled under the blanket, praying and, depending on the day's schedule, Ghandarva Rain Melody. Afterwards the child falls asleep happily.

Ritual 2: Meals together

Food not only keeps body and soul together, eating together connects people. Jana experienced a culture shock when she spent a semester abroad in North America as a 17-year-old exchange student. There were no shared meals in her host family! Whoever was hungry stormed the fridge and disappeared when he or she was full. Where do you exchange ideas? Where do you meet each other? That was not cultivated in this family.

Meals together with parents are formative for children. Chewing well, eating quietly and sitting down, learning to feel full, eating seasonal food... These are all behaviours that can be learned automatically and innocently as a child. And should not be learned once you are sick as an adult.

Ritual 3: Exercise together

According to Ayurveda, daily exercise is essential for good health. "Sitting is the new smoking" describes the importance of sport and exercise from the perspective of modern medicine.

Only through joint exercise sessions with parents or other caregivers will children be inspired to move. Moderation and regularity are important here. Everything at rest, with nasal breathing. This is best practised during joint walks, hikes, explorations in the forest or during joint yoga or gymnastics.

Ritual 4: Cuddle time

Who doesn't fondly remember familiar minutes or hours spent listening to interesting stories in close physical contact with parents in a cosy bed or by the sofa? For many adults, these are very special memories.

Whether it is a tickle session or a pillow fight on Sunday morning in the parental bed or an exciting and relaxing bedtime story, every child loves and needs these encounters with parents or grandparents. They are fun, create trust and strengthen the relationships between family members. From this feeling of security, a child can develop well and enter into other social relationships in a strengthened way.

Summary

Children love and need physical contact and invigorating activities with their parents, grandparents and caregivers. In particular, the rituals listed strengthen children's inner peace, self-confidence and vitality. The earlier you start, the more lasting the effect will be for the rest of their lives.