Have you played with young children and watched them get into a perfect downward facing dog and then straight down into a beautiful cobra pose, without a second thought? It is fascinating to watch. Kids are truly natural yogis and yoginis and have been since birth. However, as they grow up, they forget. So did we!
Studies have been done showing that Yoga is a complete approach to ones holistic health. It practices breathing, exercise (at one’s own pace and ability), meditation and relaxation techniques. A natural approach to health and dietary issues is also practiced.
Yoga for children is all that and more! Yoga is a positive, nurturing lifestyle and the sooner we as parents and teachers remind them and expose them to the multiplicity of benefits, the better they would feel about themselves in society. It is a preventative cure!
Children are under a lot of stress and demands from school, peers and family. Children are bombarded with homework and assignments. They need ways to deal with their stress in a positive manner. Yoga for children is that tool. Yoga helps with focus and relaxation.
Many schools have taken out physical education to cut back on school budgets. This is indeed sad, however, we as parents are able to help and replace that much needed physical attention into our children’s lives. This is a great family activity and also a way for our children to de-stress from daily demands. Instructional children’s yoga DVDS and books can be used at home during free time.
Children have pressures that we did not have when we were their age. There is pressure of weight control. Yoga will teach our children to be body and health conscious without starving them of having to torture their own self-esteem.
There are poses in yoga, like the warrior series, which help children with their confidence. It lets them be the happy warriors of their own lives. Cutting down on anger, pressure, judgment and fear! The tree pose is another great pose for the fast growing bodies. It teaches self-control, relaxation and coordination.
Hyperactive behaviors have been proven to slow down and visualize. Visualizing scenarios is an introduction to meditation. Let the child breath in and out feeling his or her belly rise and fall, listening to the sounds of nature or alternatively soothing music.
I have personally played with the bridge pose with children. This is a great partnering pose. Thus encouraging group activity. Yoga is playful and full of fun, for parents too.
Yoga practiced outside is another wonderful way to encourage children to be aware of nature and the music that life brings to each. We are all in union with the world and when children learn this from a young age they have the ability to show compassion to all!
Children are pure and perfect. Kevala! Children who practice yoga are pure and perfect in union with our world!
If a kid’s yoga class is not available in your area, there are a wide selection of instructional children’s yoga DVDs and books available!