Research shows that a child’s social-emotional health is just as important as their physical health and affects their capacity to develop a fulfilling life and their overall developmental learning. So, you are probably thinking, yeah that would be great, but how do I teach my child that? Kids yoga is an excellent starting point that even a novice can do at home with their child. Bonus, you can get a workout too! Or you can always check around for local kids’ yoga classes.
Yoga itself is so much more than poses, but especially so for kids, whose skill ability is still forming. While poses DO play a vital role in kids’ yoga music, games, social-emotional books, and meditation elevate the activity beyond just doing poses alone. Let’s start with understanding the why of yoga for kids.
Why Kids Yoga?
Yoga has many benefits starting with the physical. Yoga strengthens bodies as kids move with music and through poses, which in turn improves flexibility.
Yoga enhances the recollection of memories and concentration. Yoga uses imagination and the ability to assume the power and behavior of the poses assumes. The more often these roles are used the more comfortable they become in accessing their imaginations.
Yoga empowers kids to manage their anxiety and improve emotional regulation. Yoga uses breathing exercises that help kids slow their breathing rate which helps to calm the body. Ultimately, this helps them relax and be present in that moment.
Yoga teaches mindfulness. As kids recognize that they can calm themselves they also recognize how their bodies interact with the world around them. The focus they use to obtain a pose or complete a meditation activity develops their discipline.
Kids’ Yoga Basics
I highly suggest going to a local kids’ yoga class to get the most out of the practice for your child, and so that you can see the benefit without being wrapped up in trying to teach it. With that being said though, YOU are your child’s first teacher and know your child best. You CAN do this!
Social-emotional books go great with kids’ yoga. They are a great foundation that can be interwoven through poses, music, and meditations.
Music is a great resource to promote engagement and movement. Spotify has an abundance of guided movement music for yoga. Check out music from Kidding Around Yoga on Spotify
Games are a great way to teach social-emotional skills alongside movement and fun!
Breathing Exercises bring on the calm to manage big emotions. Controlled breathing slows the heart rate to help relieve anxiety and balance thoughts and emotions.
Meditation is the final key to a solid yoga lesson. Guided imagery meditation helps kids be present using their imaginations. The more often they enter this relaxed state the more likely it is that they will be able to return to it when they need it.
Like you, kids need yoga. The route to calm and zen is a curvy path that winds through many avenues, but the end destination is the same. So, are you ready to start a journey to playful zen with your child?