In today’s non-stop world even our children are overscheduled; from school to home to countless after-school activities. Like adults, kids need guidance in finding healthy ways to de-stress in a fun and enjoyable way.
The ancient art of yoga has been practiced around the world for three thousand years but it has really experienced a surge in popularity in the United States recently. It is widely recognized for its benefits to dancers, actors, athletes and anyone looking to attain balance in their lives by soothing their soul and toning their body.
Teaching yoga to children differs from yoga instruction for adults. Instead of a regimented class, Kids Yoga uses stories, games, art, and music to teach children yoga techniques and postures in a fun and welcoming environment.
Kids Yoga is designed to help children develop strength and flexibility while increasing focus and concentration. It has been found to be especially beneficial for children learning to live with conditions like ADD, ADHD, and various forms of autism. It also promotes the development of inner strengths, such as cooperation versus competition, and as a happy repercussion it shows children the importance of understanding and acceptance.
In addition, yoga educates children about body awareness, allowing them to know and realize what they are feeling, while developing a sense of confidence and self-esteem. Yoga teaches children self-control and relaxation techniques in order to create a sense of well-being and respect for others. Above all, it teaches children to love themselves inside and out.
Another type of yoga instruction gaining popularity is Yoga for Families. Family Yoga includes partner postures, intermingled with the standard individual poses. Partners work together to help one another stretch while communicating their needs in that stretch.
Families reconnect by doing something fun together while becoming stronger and more flexible. When we are focused and relaxed, we become tolerant and composed. Cooperation is cultivated within a nurturing environment. Communication and expression also become easier. Techniques for both energizing and relaxing the body are emphasized so that families can have these tools available to them outside of the Yoga classroom.
As with adults, yoga teaches children how to balance emotions, the mind and the body, a lesson when learned at an early age provides benefits to them throughout their lives. This is what Yoga is all about.
