The Easy Feng Shui Guide

1) The most important first step to realizing the benefits of Feng Shui is to perform a Space Clearing procedure. Every environment has accumulated negative energy, or "sha chi", that needs to be eliminated. This procedure will make all other cures more effective.

2) Never place your child's bed directly under a window. Chi energy is very unstable and fast moving here, and can cause behavior problems and restless sleep.

3) Never place your child's bed under a sloping ceiling. This directs too much 'chi' directly down upon them as they sleep, and can cause health or behavior problems.

4) Do not position your child's study area so that their back is to the entry door. When there is no other way to position their desk and chair, place a mirror so that they can see the door behind them.

5) Do not place your child's work area facing, or with his back to, a window. The fast moving "chi" in this location will make concentration difficult and cause restlessness and other behavioral problems. The best location is with his back to a wall, as this symbolizes support.

6) Arrange the furniture in your child's room so the there are no corners or sharp angles directed toward them, both in bed and while seated at their work area. Also be aware of beams in the ceiling. If these cannot be avoided, soften their negative effects hanging crystals.

7) Choose positive images for art in a child's room. Scenes depicting positive characteristics such as sharing, being kind or helpful to others, or scenes which offer support and encourage positive, imaginative daydreaming are excellent choices. Avoid images with sharp angles, anything depicting violence, or anything that could be interpreted as scary, even if your child claims to love it. In Feng Shui there are many powerful symbols that work on the unconscious level to inspire and direct the mind toward more positive thinking patterns (see tip # 14 for examples).

8) Color has a profound effect on children. Choose colors to enhance the traits that you want to develop in your child. If your child is very timid or apathetic, decorate or paint walls with bright shades of green, orange, yellow, and red in simple and cheery designs. Overactive children will respond best to soft pastel shades of green and blue with soft beige or very light blue walls.

9) Your child's room should have lots of natural light. Place crystals in windows to encourage the healthy movement of 'chi'. Kids love crystal balls and they are also a protection tool.

10) Mobiles are great in a child's room for moving 'Chi'. A mobile that is shiny or painted in primary colors will stimulate activity, while one that is made of fabric in soft pastels will be relaxing. Do not, however, place a mobile directly over a child's bed, as this can disturb sleep.

11) Encourage your child to be tidy. Provide plenty of storage places including shelves and baskets for toys and favorite objects. Get your child into the habit of circulating outgrown toys, and be generous with praise when he is willing to let something go.

12) A hanging crystal placed in the south west corner of your child's room will improve the relationship between your child and the rest of your family.

13) Placing a happy, laughing Buddha in your child's room will inspire joyousness. Kids love his big smiling face and they can rub his belly for good luck. A statue or figurine of Kuan Yin, the protector of children, works within the subconscious mind to teach lessons of kindness and compassion, while images of the lucky dragon stimulate thinking patterns that lead to more positive outcomes in life.

14) The Elephant is an auspicious symbol for health, protection and balance and will promote these qualities when placed in your child's room

15) Don't keep electrical equipment such as computers and televisions in your child's room. If this is completely unavoidable, provide covers and get your child into the habit of using them.