| Parents are struggling to find methods for instilling | | | | self-image. One of the first lessons a child walks away |
| self-confidence within their children. As adults, we | | | | with is self-acceptance. Every child learns to |
| know that the repercussions of poor self image can | | | | appreciate being the best he or she can possibly be. |
| result in anxiety, depression, and a huge list of bad | | | | This is achieved by understanding that other children |
| scenarios. | | | | may excel in one area of Yoga, while other children |
| With this in mind, there are a number of positive | | | | may be exceptional in a completely different area. |
| actions that parents, teachers, physicians, and Yoga | | | | For example: One child may be able to relax or |
| teachers can take to build solid foundations, within a | | | | meditate; another child may demonstrate balancing |
| given child's character. By seeking solutions, we can | | | | skills in Eagle Pose; while another child is exceptionally |
| give our children a positive view of life. In turn, children | | | | strong in the Warrior Series. In this case, it is up to the |
| will develop into successful adults by building strong | | | | Yoga teacher to give out praise equally to all the |
| relationships and by exceptional performance, within his | | | | children present in a class. |
| or her career. | | | | How can you accomplish this? As teachers, we |
| Let's look at the positive aspects for children within a | | | | always praise the exceptional, but since this is a Yoga |
| typical Kids Yoga class. Although, Yoga is a vast | | | | class you can afford to praise every child who tries his |
| subject, and there are a number of topics to discuss; | | | | or her best. It is natural for children and adults to seek |
| children are better off being taught to focus on four | | | | praise. This is why the world has so much competition |
| components within a Hatha Yoga class. | | | | for every little event. |
| These four components are posture, breathing, | | | | However, competition should be "brushed aside" in a |
| relaxing, and meditation. A child will find all four of these | | | | Kids Yoga class. The Yoga studio, or ashram, should |
| subjects easy to grasp, but all of them are a challenge. | | | | be a nurturing place for children and adults to master |
| For many kids, the relaxation and meditation are easy | | | | life skills. Yoga literally means "unity," and competition |
| to understand, but mastering them is another matter. | | | | bolsters the ego. Therefore, this is not the way Yoga |
| Now, let's look at how a Yoga class for a child can | | | | was designed for children or adults. |
| have a profound and positive impact on his or her | | | | |