Children and Chi: Feng Shui for the Younger Set

All parents know the importance of creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for their children, but some take it one step further by following an ancient practice called “feng shui”.

What exactly is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art and science that defines energies (commonly referred to as “chi”) and explores how to balance those energies in any particular space (i.e. your home, office, even your garden). It is believed that with a correct balance, you and whoever else is in that space will enjoy greater health and better fortune.

How do you Begin?

When I first began to consider “feng shui’ing” my home, I gulped and felt a headache coming on. How was I going to re-arrange my ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD? Is this going to be worth my time?

Easy answer: yes. But it does take some learning and you may need to change the positioning of furniture, depending on several factors such as:

• The Compass: a system of birthdates that notes solar and lunar year start-dates which helps one define their “kua”. Once the kua is established, you can see which compass directions are good for you, and which are bad.
• The Ba-Gua: the feng shui energy map of your home
• Flying Star Energy Patterns: the Flying Stars are basically chi energy configurations that continuously move to different locations within a building. You can define where the chi energy is – both negative and positive – by using a compass.

How can I “Feng Shui” my Children?

A child’s room is a very important space, and so taking steps to include positive energy within it is a must! Here’s a fun fact for you: many parents with children who have mood disorders, misbehave, and even suffer from ADD and ADHD report improved behaviors after they take up the feng shui practice.

You should first start with the direction which your child sleeps in. Using the compass (you can easily find a feng shui compass online) you can then see which direction will benefit your child most. Once that is determined, place the headboard of your child’s bed in that direction, with the headboard against the wall. You will also want to leave space on the sides of their bed.

If your child is still young enough to actually roll out of their beds, try investing in some “bed gates”.

NOTE: For better grades and improved scholastic abilities, try pointing your child’s bed in their “wisdom” compass direction. To lessen the arguing in your family, go for the “marriage and family harmony” direction.

Some other important considerations to make to create a positive environment for your child are:

• Keep bedrooms dark
• Be sure to keep your children’s furniture at least 2 feet away from any electronic devices
• Try to avoid too much “yang” in your child’s room (having “live” things in their room, such as fish aquariums and plants). These will keep them awake at night
• De-clutter their room! Chests and headboards with shelving are a great way to start
• Use pastel shades in bedrooms as opposed to vibrant, energizing shades

Most importantly, take a look at what your child sees every day – from a happy family picture that they see before they go to bed every night, to your own positive behaviors during the daylight hours. Encourage your children to choose pictures and posters of non-threatening and comforting things, like baby animals (bunnies, puppies, turtles), cartoon characters or scenery they like. Having them get involved in the feng shui process will definitely improve everyone’s “chi”.

photo by Gábor Bejó