Doing yoga with your toddler and older children has many benefits beyond the surface of simply filling time and space with your bodies. With the yoga poses I’ve described in my book "Yoga with Children" you’ll find the benefits encompass the physical, social developmental areas and promotes mental/psychological health. Let’s talk about these individual areas in more detail.
Physical Development –
Yoga moves help with the development of strength, flexibility, stamina, agility, balance and coordination. The child becomes more aware of his own body and enhances understanding of his own body’s movements.
As the child works to perfect his moves, blood is pumped throughout the body improving cardiovascular fitness. When done properly, yoga poses emphasize proper body alignment and the development of muscles that will aid in posture and body mechanics. This also helps the child to avoid injury during other activities. Stimulating the body’s muscles and cardiovascular system also helps promote the immune system and neuromuscular development.
Social Development –
Doing yoga with your child enhances your relationship and the bond between the two of you. When children do yoga together, their cooperative skills are enhanced as they learn to share space. They may even impress one another with their ability to perfect a move or to interpret the pose in a new and interesting way. Yoga also promotes positive communication, both verbal and non-verbal. The skills of listening and observing are enhanced as well. When we do yoga, we often talk about peace. This fosters self-respect, respect for animals and the environment and also compassion.
Mental/Psychological Health -
Yoga is for all ages and for all levels of fitness. Beginning slow offers a positive approach toward exercise and health which results in stronger mental and physical health. Poses challenge the child in positive ways. The child builds focus, concentration, self-discipline and inner strength in his efforts to perfect the poses. Breath control is an integral part of yoga. Breath control helps when we are upset, mad, or stressed. Learning this as a child can be tremendously helpful to the child who is still learning to regulate his emotions. Discovering new poses will foster a creative imagination and allow the child to express himself more freely, nurturing his confidence and self-esteem. Actively doing yoga helps relieve stress and frustration and provide an outlet for social interaction
Benefits for Parents
Of course, parents have benefits too! Including your child in yoga will allow you one more way to bond and spend time with your child. You’ll build even more confidence in your parenting! Teaching your child yoga will help you discover their learning styles as a little personality emerges. You’ll also find ways of calming and soothing your child as she shows preferences for breathing techniques and relaxing poses. Enjoying all of these benefits from yoga will reduce your stress, anxiety. You’ll be calmer, enjoy more relaxing time with family – and you’ll sleep better too!
