Giving Children the “Gift” of Yoga

Most of us are pretty “busy” people; we live in a society that rewards those that are always on the go – moving from one thing to the next – and some of us may even feel that being “busy” is a status symbol. If we are busy – we are important right? That means we are doing something… we are productive… we are achieving within society.  If this is how “adults” feel – I wonder how kids feel.
 
Children today live in a hurry-up world of busy parents, school pressures, video games, media influences, competitive sports etc. We may not feel like these influences could be stressful for kids, but often they are.  Research has shown that incorporating yoga into a child’s routine may improve academic performance, self-esteem, classroom behaviours, concentration and emotional balance (Stueck & Gloeckner, 2005). Children need time to themselves (just like adults), and yoga can help them relax enough to feel the freedom to just be a kid!  With that – here are 5 main reasons (there are probably many more) on why kids should be doing yoga!

• Builds confidence & self-esteem
  • Yoga is all about relationships – it isn’t about someone not being able to do something, or someone not welcome. The space is open and inclusive – all are welcome! With this idea in mind, kids learn about teamwork, how to connect with others, and what actions/words feel good to hear – and which don’t feel great to hear. Confidence and self-esteem build as kids move through the practice and realize that they’re not being judged – and that their opinions are both heard and matter.
• Gives them a break
  • The practice gives kids a time to get out of their “daily routine”. The classes allow them to interact with others, build relationships, and learn about themselves. This also assists with their stress levels (learning how to deal with emotions when they come up) – and developing that inner strength as a child!
• Teaches kids to take care of their bodies
  • Within each class we talk about how we are feeling; how eating foods, doing certain activities, hearing certain works etc. makes us feel. When kids become conscious of these factors (of what makes them feel good/not good) they can work to make healthy choices. It may be to lay down one day if they are feeling tired – it could be to eat their fruit before their cookie another day – we work on learning to make choices that are right for you!
• Engages the brain
  • Kids learn to focus in yoga – and this can also translate into their academic work. Also – through the classes kids learn how to work on their own emotions and thoughts (this can assist with learning how to calm themselves down; understand the importance of breathing and what it feels like in the body).
• FUN!
  • Each class is difference and FUN! From making animal noises, to working with balloons to practice breath – to putting on costumes to practice the Warrior poses! Each class is different and builds upon the kids creativity! I love to gauge the personalities in the room after the first few classes to continue to develop more and more types of activities that suit their interests! Creativity and positive energy is always flowing in the space! 

As someone who started teaching simple yoga classes while working as a elementary school teacher – I am so happy that more yoga studios and schools are starting to incorporate this into their spaces! Yoga for kids is really about honouring those that are in the space and providing a program that engages the entire mind, body and spirit!

So… would yoga be something your kids would enjoy? ​

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Interested in having Kids Yoga at your condo? 
We will be starting to offer this! Make sure to connect with us!

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References:
M. Stueck and N. Gloeckner, “Yoga for Children in the Mirror of Science: Working Spectrum and Practice Field of the Training of Relaxation with Elements of Yoga for Children,” Early Child Development and Care 174 no. 4 (2005): 371-377.

Written By:
Sarah Memme

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