| It might seem rather strange that Yoga for kids is | | | | youngsters need to learn if they are to grow up |
| becoming more and more popular, but remember that | | | | healthy and with a balanced outlook on life. Kids Yoga |
| Yoga has been practised for many thousands of | | | | also teaches youngsters about: |
| years and has a proven track record of bringing | | | | 1. The environment. |
| benefits both physical and mental. It seems only logical | | | | 2. Nature. |
| that, as adults, we should pass these benefits on to | | | | 3. How to use and develop their imagination. |
| our children. | | | | So, you're probably wondering how all this is achieved? |
| We read daily about youngsters becoming stressed | | | | Well, yoga for kids involves lots of moving, singing, |
| and anxious because of pressures within the | | | | playing and mime or imitating things. In other words, it's |
| education system (exams, extra curricular activities, | | | | a FUN activity! |
| competition, etc) and also social and peer pressures. If | | | | Kids Yoga can also help children with ADHD or any |
| your children seem to be suffering in this way then | | | | attention-deficit child. If you have a child like this, you'll |
| Kids yoga might just provide one way of easing the | | | | have noticed how they enjoy (and need) lots of motor |
| tension. Breathing and visualization techniques will teach | | | | and sensory stimulus. The postures, poses and |
| them how to develop powers of concentration and | | | | movement in Yoga can provide this stimulus and bring |
| focus, as well as relaxation and increased self-control. | | | | about a calm and confidence that sometimes appears |
| Yoga for kids is often taught in schools, usually at | | | | quite miraculous. Postures such as the Warrior and |
| lunchtimes or after school clubs. Dance studios | | | | Tree pose are extremely beneficial. |
| incorporate yoga into their routines and even daycare | | | | Like adults, children need to relax every so often. Kids |
| centers and pre-schools often have some element of | | | | Yoga often uses relaxing music and visualization |
| Yoga in their program. Essentially, kids Yoga is FUN | | | | techniques (sometimes 'guided' with a story) to |
| and very important to youngsters whose bodies are | | | | encourage the child to focus on their breathing. Often, |
| going through a very difficult stage of development. | | | | a session will end with the child being encouraged to |
| In pre-school, yoga for kids is specially designed and | | | | share their experiences. Most importantly, the breathing |
| adapted to: | | | | focus will eventually allow the child to stay calm and in |
| 1. Teach about body awareness. | | | | control in stressful situations, both in school and out. |
| 2. Develop increased flexibility. | | | | It's never too early to start Yoga and Yoga for kids |
| 3. Acquire good listening skills. | | | | provides a holistic approach to developing rounded, |
| 4. Promote self control. | | | | healthy personalities. Whatever stage of development |
| 5. Increase powers of observation. | | | | your son or daughter is at, kids Yoga is one of the |
| 6. Develop language skills. | | | | best investments you can make in their education |
| 7. Increase coordination skills. | | | | AND they will learn vital skills that will stay with them |
| 8. Promote cooperation with others. | | | | forever. |
| It's quite a list, isn't it? But they are vital skills that all | | | | |