Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, February 20, 2023
Yoga has been practised for centuries and is becoming increasingly popular among adults. But getting the children started on yoga can do wonders. It can help them develop physical strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as improve their mental well-being. We wanted to explore the benefits of yoga for children and provide some tips on how to introduce yoga to your child.
Benefits of Yoga in Children
Improves Physical Health- Yoga involves a series of poses or asanas that help improve flexibility, balance, and strength. By practising these poses, children can develop better coordination, motor skills, and body awareness. Yoga can also help prevent obesity, which is a growing problem among children these days.
Boosts Mental Well-being- Yoga is not just about physical poses but also involves deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques. These techniques can help children reduce stress, anxiety, and improve their mood. Yoga also helps improve concentration and focus, which can be beneficial for children who have difficulty paying attention.
Enhances Social Skills- Yoga classes are a great place for children to socialise and make new friends. Yoga encourages teamwork, communication, and cooperation, as the children learn to work together and support each other. This can be particularly beneficial for a child who struggles with social skills.
Improves Sleep- Yoga can help children sleep better by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. A good night’s sleep is essential for a child’s growth and development, and practising yoga can help improve the quality of their sleep.
Tips for Introducing Yoga to Children
Make it Fun- Children are naturally curious and love to play, so it is important to make yoga fun for them. You can do this by introducing games, stories, and music into your yoga practice. You can also use colourful props and mats to make it more visually appealing.
According to Jessica Rosenberg, a children’s yoga teacher and the author of “The Children’s Yoga Deck,” “Incorporating playfulness and imagination into yoga helps children connect with their bodies and tap into their creativity.”
Keep it Simple- Start with simple poses that your child can easily follow. It is important to go at your child’s pace and not push them beyond their limits. Encourage them to take breaks when they need to and make sure they stay hydrated throughout the practice.
Practice Together- Children learn by example, so it is a good idea to practice yoga together with your child. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident in their practice. It is also a great way to bond with your child and spend quality time together.
Encourage relaxation- Yoga is not just about physical poses but also about mental and emotional relaxation. Teach children simple breathing and relaxation techniques to help them manage stress and anxiety. For example, you can teach them to take deep belly breaths or guide them through a visualization exercise that involves imagining a peaceful place.
According to Jodi Komitor, the founder of Next Generation Yoga and the author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Yoga with Kids,” “Teaching relaxation techniques to children can help them feel more calm and centred, which can have a positive impact on their overall well-being.”
Find a Good Teacher- If you are not familiar with yoga, it is a good idea to find a qualified teacher who specialises in teaching yoga to children. A good teacher will be able to create a safe and supportive environment and provide guidance on how to adapt poses for your child’s abilities.
When introducing children to yoga, It is important to choose poses that are safe and appropriate for their age and skill level. Younger children may enjoy animal-inspired poses, such as downward-facing dog, cat-cow, and frog pose, while older children may be ready for more challenging poses, such as warrior, tree, and eagle pose.
According to Rachel Glowacki, a children’s yoga expert and the author of “Yoga for Kids and Their Grown-Ups,” it is important to remember that children have different physical abilities and developmental stages, so it is essential to modify poses to fit their needs.
Practice regularly- Consistency is key when it comes to reaping the benefits of yoga. Encourage children to practice yoga regularly, even if it is just a few minutes a day. This can help them establish healthy habits and make yoga a part of their daily routine.
According to Shakta Khalsa, the founder of Radiant Child Yoga and the author of “Yoga for Children,” “Practicing yoga regularly can help children develop focus, discipline, and self-awareness, which can translate to other areas of their lives.”
Experts Recommended
Dr Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist and author of “Joy from Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend,” adds, “Yoga is an excellent tool for helping children learn how to calm themselves and manage stress. The poses, deep breathing, and meditation techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.”
“Yoga can also help children build confidence and self-esteem. By practising challenging poses and working through any fears or doubts, they can develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves,” said Dr Manly.
Sun Salute, an online Yoga studio that offers classes for children in New Zealand said, “The younger students will enjoy games and themes to help them feel relaxed and at ease and to strengthen their bodies. The high school class expands on this and gets children ready to enjoy regular classes, exploring meditation, mantra and asana. All of these things are good for exam preparation, for relieving stress and to feeling more at home in your body and the world.”
There are numerous YouTube videos dedicated to Children’s yoga and they can be the best starting point for you and your family to experience yoga and get the little ones interested in wellness from an early age. It also makes for a perfect wet day activity.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
