Yoga for kids: Nurturing mind, body and soul

We often get asked about the benefits of yoga for kids – and more importantly how to do yoga with children when their attention span is limited and their preference is, more often than not –  to sit in front of screens. 

Yoga is an incredibly powerful tool to instil mindfulness, physical well-being and emotional resilience in children. Imagine if we’d all learnt mindfulness techniques as kids – like how to breathe to calm ourselves down when we’re stressed – whether it’s the first day at a new school or a job interview.  What an amazing skill to develop early in life!

Yoga for kids is a fun and healthy activity to do with your kids. Not only can practising yoga with your kids be a great way to bond and spend quality time together (and can be done rain, hail or shine), but it can also offer a wide range of physical and mental health benefits.

Yoga for kids at your home

Physical Fitness and Flexibility

Yoga for kids offers a gentle yet effective way for kids to enhance their physical fitness. Through a series of poses, stretches, and movements, children develop strength, balance, and flexibility. These physical benefits not only contribute to overall health but also lay the foundation for a lifetime of positive habits. The various yoga poses, help improve posture, motor skills, and cardiovascular health, fostering a strong and agile body.

Stress Reduction and Emotional Regulation

Even children experience stress, whether it be from school pressures, social dynamics, or other challenges. Yoga provides kids with valuable tools to manage stress and cultivate emotional resilience. Breathing exercises, such as deep belly breathing or “lion’s breath,” help children connect with their breath and calm their nervous systems. The mindfulness and self-awareness fostered by yoga empower children to navigate their emotions more effectively – a skill that will serve them well into adulthood.

Improved Concentration and Focus

In a world filled with distractions and stimuli, cultivating the ability to concentrate is a valuable skill. Yoga teaches children to be present in the moment, focusing their attention on their breath, body, and the present task. This enhanced concentration lays the groundwork for a more mindful approach to life.

Enhanced Social and Emotional Learning

Yoga for kids encourages social interaction and collaborative play, fostering a sense of community and empathy among children. Partner poses and group activities promote teamwork, communication, and cooperation. Additionally, yoga introduces kids to mindfulness and self-awareness, crucial components of social and emotional learning. As children become more attuned to their emotions and those of others, they develop greater empathy and interpersonal skills.

Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem

Mastering yoga poses and progressing in their practice instils a sense of accomplishment in children. The non-competitive nature of yoga for kids allows each child to progress at their own pace, building confidence without the pressure of comparison. Yoga teaches them that progress is a personal journey, fostering a positive self-image and a healthy sense of self-esteem.

Better Sleep Patterns

We know that sleep is essential for a child’s growth and development (& great for parents and caregivers to enjoy some downtime of an evening!). The calming and relaxing nature of yoga helps regulate the nervous system, making it easier for kids to wind down and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. Incorporating a short yoga routine before bedtime can become a soothing ritual that signals to the body and mind that it’s time to relax.

Mind-Body Connection

Yoga for kids emphasises the connection between the mind and body, teaching children to be more aware of their bodies and their feelings. This heightened awareness translates into better decision-making, as children learn to listen to their bodies and make choices that promote their well-being. Understanding the mind-body connection early in life sets the stage for a lifetime of holistic health practices.

How do I start yoga with my kids?

If you’re lucky, your kids may get some yoga and mindfulness at childcare, preschool or school. Kids are not just mini adults so adapting your own practice isn’t going to work on a five-year-old. 

Ways to introduce your kids to yoga: 

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Cosmic Kids Yoga is a free YouTube channel with themed classes that tell a story. There are hundreds of videos that vary in length and they are fabulous and lots of fun. Perfect for a wet weather activity if you’re ever stuck!

Mindful & Co Kids Yoga Games: 

Mindful & Co Kids (available online) has the most amazing range of mindful games (yoga snap, yoga flashcards, patience pebbles, a mindfulness breathing ball) as well as a heap of useful resources to download for free – which might be the perfect way to trial yoga at home to see what works for your family. 

The biggest predictor of your kids continuing to exercise and move – is if you do it. And equipping them with the tools to be more mindful and self-aware now – will not only help you as a parent – but will help them navigate everything that life holds for them.

We hope this helps to bring yoga for kids to your home. Love Pilates is opening on 1st February 2024. Love Pilates is a place to move, nourish and empower your body – whatever life stage you’re in. They are there to support you in navigating work/life balance, pregnancy, motherhood, perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

If you’d like to explore our service in action visit Sydney Early Education Centres, you can book a tour or send us a message.