Yoga For Parents - Five Things You Must Teach Your Children About Yoga - Part 1 of 3

Five Things You Must Teach Your Children About Yoga 

  

1.       Yoga is FUN. Children are natural yogis. They like to stretch, play and move around, yet at the same time, when they are absorbed in an activity, they give it their full attention. When you teach your child yoga, make sure you keep it light. Most yoga poses are named after animals, so, when showing your child The Downward Dog Pose, woof like a dog and wag your tail.

2.       Yoga makes you STRONG. Learning to stand in your power, to feel your energy and roar like a lion in the Lion Pose or hiss like a snake in The Cobra Pose gives children an opportunity to safely express their inner emotions and release any internal frustrations they may have.

 

3.       Yoga helps you to RELAX. Your child spends a large part of their day being stimulated and taught new subjects. There is little time in the school curriculum and after-school activities for your child to rest and unwind. Just like adults your child needs quiet, down-time. Yoga relaxation exercises give your child the space and permission to relax and rest their minds. I remember teaching yoga to a class of highly activity boys aged 5. At the end of the relaxation period, one boy sat up and said "my brain cells have gone all quiet". He was amazed. Even at the tender age of five he could feel the difference 3 minutes relaxation made on his brain cells. 

  

4.       Yoga inspires CREATIVITY. Children love to put their own stamp or mark on a yoga pose. In a class of 10 children, you will get at least 5 variations of the Downward Dog pose and 5 different names of dogs. Your child will enjoy making up their own poses and shapes to share with you. 

  

5.       Yoga encourages SELF-LOVE. Yoga for Children is designed to foster within your child a sense of their own being ness and connection to the wider scheme of life. Guided visualisations practices help you child to tune into their inner power as well remind them that they are more than their physical body. Activities, like colouring in mandalas, playing yoga trust games and yoga songs all help to promote a strong sense of self and inner love within your child's heart. 

  

As you know, children are curious and keen to learn. The more your child sees you practice yoga, the easier it is for you to introduce and share the joys and benefits you gain with your child. Take it easy with your children, let them teach you! You may be surprised at what they can teach you.