Yoga for Children
"The way we speak to our children becomes their Inner-Voice."
~Peggy O'Mara
Why Teach Children + Teens Yoga?
Yoga for children and teens is similar to yoga for adults in that it is a personal and collective experience offering us an opportunity to go within, and encourages us to find deeper connection within ourselves for more fulfilling connection with others. The word yoga means ‘to unite.’
I believe how we each connect to yoga is very different and needs to be honoured. Ask anyone who practices how they came to it. Was it through the physical practice? Meditation? Breathwork? Vedic story and writings? In that same vein, we need to respect where each of us are at and appreciate that children come to yoga for their own reasons too. We also need to respect that we each learn differently.
That being said, there are some big differences between how we approach yoga for each age group. Young children (under 7) are in the process of grounding or coming into their bodies, so physical experiences such as yoga, can greatly support this development. Between 0-7 years they learn primarily through play and their senses – generally visually and kinetic dominant. As we grow and develop we have other needs, including understanding and supporting our physical and emotional experiences, and awareness of that of others. This is especially important to foster at a young age, to empower children with healthy coping skills for emotional resilience before they transition through their tween and teen years, to become healthy adults.
14 Benefits of Yoga for Children + Teens
gloWithin’s philosophy brings in many additional pieces to the children’s (and adult’s yoga) experience, as a result of Katie’s background as a Craniosacral Healer, her personal experiences learning meditation + breathwork as a child, and her love for culture. Here are a few benefits that are incorporated into gloWithin’s philosophy, which you will notice the offerings (including in-person and app classes, and Yoga Teacher Trainings):
Improves body awareness – strength, balance, coordination, endurance, flexibility (when age-appropriate) + proprioception
Greater mind-body-emotion (somato-emotional) connection + interoceptive skills for healthier, happier, more peaceful lives
Understanding emotions, the science behind them + tools for emotional resilience
Tools for greater independence + collaboration with others, including cultural appreciation to understand their roots
Awareness of other’s emotions, needs + development of empathy
Communication + leadership skills for greater confidence
Understanding personal boundaries, body autonomy, and respect for others
Greater self-acceptance, positive body-image + development of self-care practices
Very beneficial for Highly Sensitive and Neuro-Diverse youth for confidence and life-skills
Improves focus, memory, concentration, and self-discipline
Development of healthy coping skills for resilient children
Encourages creativity + problem solving
Better sleep + tools to self-soothe
It’s FUN!
How You Can Practice Breathwork + Yoga at Home with Your Children
With children under 7 years, get creative through movement with them. The 'I Am' Kids Yoga Cards are perfect for this! Allow them to guide you and create their own poses with full expression – sounds and all! When we make sounds, we need to breathe… so we are actually also doing breathwork! You can also lay down with them and place a stuffy on their stomach so they can watch their breath move their body. Ask them how they feel after. How do you feel!?
Between 8 and 11 years you can create a little class with them – maybe you take turns leading the shapes (or poses) to music. See who can hold the pose the longest for a fun challenge! Breathe through the poses, make sounds, have fun! Include a calming practice where you both notice the sensations in your body – your breath, your heart beat, and any other sensations that may come up. You can read more about Somatoemotional Awareness here.
Youth 12 and up would love to be included in your practice! If you practice at home or go to a studio, have them join you! Creating an evening ritual is especially helpful at this age, as anxiety due to changes and pressures can be at a high. Help them create a self-care practice that soothes them – a personal flow of movement, followed by legs up the wall and slowing down the breath. Notice the breath, sensations, and emotions that may come up. What is your body trying to tell you. Journaling can be very helpful to note this down and let it out. Return to slow, deep breathing.
Learn More!
Below are more tools you can access for support to empower yourself as a parent and in-turn your children.
- gloWithin app – explore various courses to support you and empower children
- 'I Am' Kids Yoga Cards – empower the children in your life physically, emotionally + socially
Youtube - so many tools for the entire family!
- Children's Yoga Teacher Training - learn tools to support yourself and children 0-15y
Please reach out if you have any questions – I always love to hear from you!
Katie
ps. Please share this with anyone you feel would benefit!
