Soccer, ballet and karate are nice, but what about nurturing the whole child with a kids' yoga class?

Yoga benefits children in so many ways. Yoga itself means union, bringing together an awareness of the body and mind. Most adults don’t even have a handle on this. A child exposed to yoga can reap its many benefits, including an awareness of self, meaning that through yoga they can achieve a better sense of how they relate to the world around them.

Yoga practice improves circulation, strengthens the heart, enhances flexibility, reduces stress, and increases mental clarity. Children who suffer from anxiety and developmental disorders can certainly benefit.

A good teacher will guide the children safely through traditional poses and remind them that everyone has different physical strengths and weaknesses. Although one child’s gifts and talents are different, all can share the practice of yoga together.

Along with the poses, the breath is of utmost importance. Proper breathing techniques help children to settle into many different yoga poses comfortably and safely. Outside of class, however, proper breathing creates better concentration and peace of mind. A child who learns proper breathing techniques will be able to deal better with many situations thrown their way.  

The class environment should foster a sense of security and allow children to express themselves freely.  The teacher may ask the children to share affirmations about themselves or guide them through different affirmation sequences (e.g. “I am strong, I am wise, and I love myself”). Helping to strengthen the self-esteem of children by reinforcing positive feelings about themselves is so important.

Before you go and sign your child up for that next important activity, I ask that you consider a kids yoga class—a fundamental ancient gift that might turn out to be essential in their development.

“To perform every action artfully is yoga.” - Swami Kripalu