Yoga for Little Ones

Yoga is for kids too!

Yoga has grown in popularity these last few years as a way to de-stress, get in shape, improve concentration and increase flexibility. It’s not just for adults anymore! Yoga can be a great way to bring these benefits to your toddler.  Between ages 3 and 6, your child’s movements become more coordinated which makes this a good age to try yoga.

You can start yoga with your own toddler or organize a fun yoga play date with your child’s friends. But where to start?

• Keep it short. Children’s attention spans are limited and they can become bored easily. Keep the session to 20 minutes tops with a mini-break at the 10 minute mark.
• Use your imagination. Call poses by an animal name or object such as  frog pose, tree pose, boat pose (you will be amazed what shapes you see when you look at yoga poses with creative eyes). You can tell stories or fun facts about these animals or objects to keep the children interested. An added bonus is that your child can learn new words through the poses!

We love these books and resources to help get you started:

• Yoga for children with special needs
• The Yoga Zoo Adventure
• Storytime Yoga
• Yoga Fun for Toddlers, Children & You

Do you practice yoga with your children?

What ways do you foster flexibility, creativity, good posture and concentration with your children? Please share with us!