The other day, I was watching two young boys surf on some incredibly big waves, without a worry in the world. I figured that when kids are involved in activities from a young age, they have a fearlessness, confidence and skill that you don’t really see in adults. It’s a similar story with yoga.
Introducing Kids to Yoga
Today, kids are programmed to rush around. They’re whisked to and from school, appointments, activities and parties, and have instant access to technology. Like adults, they’re just skimming the surface and run the risk of not really connecting with their world.
Any yoga practitioner will tell you that a regular yoga practice allows us to slow down, still the mind and become more aware of our bodies and place in the world. And when we begin yoga young, we build a wonderful foundation from which to grow.
Benefits of Yoga for Kids
Physically, yoga enhances children’s flexibility, coordination, agility, strength and awareness. It’s also a great way for less athletic kids to be involved and do something good for their bodies, without the fear of ball games and the like.
Yoga also teaches children to tune in to their breath, and focus on each asana. This could have many benefits inside and outside the classroom – and in fact, many studies have shown a regular yoga practice could improve a child’s grades.
Other benefits include:
- Improved balance
- Improved muscle development
- Boosted self esteem and confidence
- Enhanced body-mind connection
Research has also shown that yoga is ideal for children with autism and ADD.
Choosing a Yoga Class for Kids
A great way to see if your child likes yoga is to find a class in your local area. Some schools and after-school centres also hire yoga practitioners to take classes.
Once your child has attended a few classes, encourage them to continue their practice at home. They might just have a thing or two to teach you about your practice!
