Yoga for Kids? Oh yes! Jonna Byars, PhD. Our adult lives have become so rushed and overscheduled that we rarely have time to stop and take a breath. And we often mistakenly assume that children do not suffer from stress related symptoms. After all, kids don't have to work, pay bills, or deal with difficult people, so what could they possibly have to worry about? But even very young children have worries and feel stress. Stress is a function of the demands placed on us and our ability to meet them, regardless of what the demands are. And although we do not like to think about it, the stress that parents feel has a direct effect on the stress levels of children. Much concern has been voiced about obesity in children. Over the past three decades the obesity rate has doubled for children aged 2-5 and tripled for children aged 6-11. An important cause of this shocking development has been identified as lack of activity. Research has found that if you instill a love of activity at an early age, children are much more likely to remain at a normal weight throughout their life. To help kids manage their stress and fight obesity we have to find a way of exercise that involves their whole being, including their physical body, mind, soul, and heart. This makes yoga the perfect solution. When presented in a child's language, yoga can help counter the stress experienced by young people living in a hurry-up world. In fact, yoga is a mandated part of physical education classes in the State of California for elementary education. And ever since its implementation, teachers report that their students are much more relaxed and are able to learn at deeper level. Why yoga for kids? Research has found the following benefits for children: 1) Children experience many of the same physical benefits adults do from practicing yoga. Yoga strengthens and exercises them. It makes them more flexible, coordinated, balanced, and less likely to suffer an injury.
2) Yoga for kids also enhances self-awareness. Children who practice yoga learn early on to tune into their bodies and become aware from the inside out. This self awareness, which few adults posses, helps the child focus. Self esteem is bolstered as children gain control over their bodies and minds.
3) Yoga for kids enhances imagination and empathy. When they stretch like a dog, balance like a flamingo, breathe like a bunny, or stand tall like a tree, and are asked to imagine what it would be like to be those life forms, not only do children use their imagination, but they also develop understanding and reverence for all life. When the principle of interdependence becomes apparent, children learn early on to connect with other life forms on the planet and realize that similarities far outweigh differences.
4) Yoga teaches children to have fun and move their bodies in a con-competitive environment. Yoga isn't about being right or wrong, or being best or worst. It is about bringing awareness to one's own life. And children can work together to help each other reach this goal.
5) Yoga for kids teaches self-discipline. As part of the practice of yoga, kids need to slow down, hold certain postures, breathe or think in a certain way. Yoga encourages children to master themselves rather than wait for an adult to control them. 6) Yoga for kids can also be a way to strengthen families. Yoga is an exercise that parents and children and even grandparents can practice and talk about together. As children participate in yoga with their families, they feel closer to their loved ones. 7) Through practicing yoga, children can learn ways to relax and get control of stress in their lives. A child worried about a presentation, for instance, might use the breathing techniques of yoga to help her calm down and focus. I am excited to present the first yoga program created for children and their parents. This program, Mom 'n Tot™ Yoga, utilizes storytelling, games, music, partner stretches, and other arts in a curriculum that engages the "whole child." Our program engages the entire mind, body, and spirit in a way that honors all the ways children learn. Moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers will also reap the benefits of yoga in this format. All children, ages 3 & up are welcome.
FREE demo class June 4th 10:30 am at Elk Grove Park. RSVP today! Eight week sessions begin in June. More information: 916-690-7624 online at www.strollerfit.com/elkgrove
2) Yoga for kids also enhances self-awareness. Children who practice yoga learn early on to tune into their bodies and become aware from the inside out. This self awareness, which few adults posses, helps the child focus. Self esteem is bolstered as children gain control over their bodies and minds.
3) Yoga for kids enhances imagination and empathy. When they stretch like a dog, balance like a flamingo, breathe like a bunny, or stand tall like a tree, and are asked to imagine what it would be like to be those life forms, not only do children use their imagination, but they also develop understanding and reverence for all life. When the principle of interdependence becomes apparent, children learn early on to connect with other life forms on the planet and realize that similarities far outweigh differences.
4) Yoga teaches children to have fun and move their bodies in a con-competitive environment. Yoga isn't about being right or wrong, or being best or worst. It is about bringing awareness to one's own life. And children can work together to help each other reach this goal.
5) Yoga for kids teaches self-discipline. As part of the practice of yoga, kids need to slow down, hold certain postures, breathe or think in a certain way. Yoga encourages children to master themselves rather than wait for an adult to control them. 6) Yoga for kids can also be a way to strengthen families. Yoga is an exercise that parents and children and even grandparents can practice and talk about together. As children participate in yoga with their families, they feel closer to their loved ones. 7) Through practicing yoga, children can learn ways to relax and get control of stress in their lives. A child worried about a presentation, for instance, might use the breathing techniques of yoga to help her calm down and focus. I am excited to present the first yoga program created for children and their parents. This program, Mom 'n Tot™ Yoga, utilizes storytelling, games, music, partner stretches, and other arts in a curriculum that engages the "whole child." Our program engages the entire mind, body, and spirit in a way that honors all the ways children learn. Moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers will also reap the benefits of yoga in this format. All children, ages 3 & up are welcome.
FREE demo class June 4th 10:30 am at Elk Grove Park. RSVP today! Eight week sessions begin in June. More information: 916-690-7624 online at www.strollerfit.com/elkgrove
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