Practical Ways To Introduce Yoga to Kids by Via Tendon
Not all kids will find Yoga relaxing. Not all kids will love Yoga. And not all kids will benefit from the practice.
While we scroll to see different experts sharing different approaches around the same messaging, me included, the truth is - it may not work for you and your kids. Every person will respond differently to the same thing. For example, some may find closing their eyes very triggering; while others find it relaxing. My toddler prefers lying on her side; I don’t like lying on my back feeling like my chest is exposed, but some really don’t mind. This is the same with Yoga. What might work for you, may not work for your partner or kid. And vice versa. It’s important to walk into this practice without expectations of an outcome and accept that it may or may not be your thing. So, here’s why you and your kids should give it a go.
The practice of Yoga is a tool. A tool that helps you and your kids maybe live a fuller life. Maybe be more present. Maybe be more calm. Maybe be more attentive. Maybe be more self-loving. And I truly believe a ‘maybe’ is much better than nothing.
This tool empowers them with options of how to respond to any situation. It gets stronger with practice and repetition. So, how do we encourage them to pick it up in the first place?
Explain what ‘yoga’ is. This is a step that often gets missed, but it’s really hard to learn something you don’t even understand. These clear explanations allow you to shift the language depending on their age, background and beliefs:
The word Yoga actually means ‘union’ in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. People practice Yoga to feel united with a higher power through posture, breathing, and meditation.
Yoga is a way to exercise our minds, bodies and breaths all at the same time. Yoga makes us feel great!
Yoga is an old practice from India to train the body and the mind. It helps us develop flexibility and strength in our bodies, and happiness and peace in our minds.
Use tools like Yoga cards, a breathing ball and a mat. It’s simple and effective. The cards offer endless possibilities to explore Yoga through play. A breathing ball helps make their invisible breath visible. A mat provides ownership of their safe space.
Start small, simple and short. Take a moment to pay attention to your breath. For younger kids under 5 start with 10 seconds. School-aged kids, 1 to 2 minutes.
Weave it into your already existing routine. Learning new things are challenging to keep up. So, try incorporating it into their play, morning routine or in the car rides during drop offs and pickups.
Most importantly, lead by example. It’s powerful for our kids to see us learn alongside them and model the desired behaviour. A shared experience is impactful.
And remember, it’s called Yoga practice, not Yoga perfect. So give yourself and your kids grace, space and love. It takes a while to pick up a new habit. You may just reap the benefits of the practice if you keep at it. And if you don’t, at least you tried.
Via Tendon is an American-born Indonesian living in Melbourne. She’s a Mama of 2, corporate leader, Yoga teacher, and founder of Metta Play. Metta Play makes bilingual yoga and affirmation cards. Her vision is to create tools that help empower tiny humans to become more aware, fierce and compassionate.
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