| Do you practice yoga? Many of my yoga students | | | | At the end of the relaxation period, one boy sat up |
| are parents and often ask me to teach yoga to their | | | | and said "my brain cells have gone all quiet". He was |
| children, or to recommend good yoga books for | | | | amazed. Even at the tender age of five he could feel |
| children. In this three part series, I would like to share | | | | the difference 3 minutes relaxation made on his brain |
| with you, some insights and useful information you | | | | cells. |
| could share with your children about yoga. | | | | 4. Yoga inspires CREATIVITY. Children love to put |
| Five Things You Must Teach Your Children About | | | | their own stamp or mark on a yoga pose. In a class of |
| Yoga | | | | 10 children, you will get at least 5 variations of the |
| 1. Yoga is FUN. Children are natural yogis. They like to | | | | Downward Dog pose and 5 different names of dogs. |
| stretch, play and move around, yet at the same time, | | | | Your child will enjoy making up their own poses and |
| when they are absorbed in an activity, they give it their | | | | shapes to share with you. |
| full attention. When you teach your child yoga, make | | | | 5. Yoga encourages SELF-LOVE. Yoga for Children is |
| sure you keep it light. Most yoga poses are named | | | | designed to foster within your child a sense of their |
| after animals, so, when showing your child The | | | | own being ness and connection to the wider scheme |
| Downward Dog Pose, woof like a dog and wag your | | | | of life. Guided visualisations practices help you child to |
| tail. | | | | tune into their inner power as well remind them that |
| 2. Yoga makes you STRONG. Learning to stand in | | | | they are more than their physical body. Activities, like |
| your power, to feel your energy and roar like a lion in | | | | colouring in mandalas, playing yoga trust games and |
| the Lion Pose or hiss like a snake in The Cobra Pose | | | | yoga songs all help to promote a strong sense of self |
| gives children an opportunity to safely express their | | | | and inner love within your child's heart. |
| inner emotions and release any internal frustrations | | | | As you know, children are curious and keen to learn. |
| they may have. | | | | The more your child sees you practice yoga, the |
| 3. Yoga helps you to RELAX. Your child spends a | | | | easier it is for you to introduce and share the joys and |
| large part of their day being stimulated and taught new | | | | benefits you gain with your child. Take it easy with |
| subjects. There is little time in the school curriculum and | | | | your children, let them teach you! You may be |
| after-school activities for your child to rest and unwind. | | | | surprised at what they can teach you. |
| Just like adults your child needs quiet, down-time. Yoga | | | | In part two of this three part series, we will look at |
| relaxation exercises give your child the space and | | | | books and yoga resources available to encourage you |
| permission to relax and rest their minds. I remember | | | | to share your love of yoga with your child. |
| teaching yoga to a class of highly activity boys aged 5. | | | | |