Yoga is not just for adults – it can also be a great activity for children. So, instead of letting your kids spend their entire summer vacation glued to the screen, why not introduce them to this practice?
Benefits of Yoga for Children
Yoga offers many benefits to everyone, including kids. First of all, yoga provides an opportunity for parents to bond with their children.
Help your child see yoga as a game rather than a serious pursuit. Make it fun and captivating to ignite their interest and encourage their creativity. This shared experience will not only strengthen your bond but also make yoga an enjoyable activity for the whole family.
Moreover, yoga instills discipline in children. Having a morning yoga routine with your child can be highly beneficial. Practice yoga regularly to help your child develop a lifelong habit of being more active.
Do the postures together for at least 2-3 weeks to encourage consistency, which is key in building discipline and making yoga part of your child’s routine.
Often, children do activities to entertain themselves and so, by incorporating yoga into their routine you help them make the most of their vacation in a productive and meaningful way.
Now, let’s take a look at five beginner-friendly yoga poses that kids can try:
Santolanasana (Plank Pose)
Lie on your belly, with your palms under your shoulders. Lift your stomach, chest and knees off the ground, maintaining this position for up to 1 minute.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Tell your child to stand tall with feet together, toes touching, and heels slightly apart. Distribute the weight evenly on both feet, keeping the spine straight and shoulders relaxed. Let the arms hang naturally by the sides with palms facing forward. Take slow, deep breaths while holding this pose for a few moments.
Naukasana (Boat Pose)
Lie down on your back with arms by the sides. Lift your body and legs off the ground at the same time. Extend your arms forward towards your feet, parallel to the ground. Engage the abdominal muscles to maintain your balance. Hold for about 5-10 seconds.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Lie on your stomach with legs extended and the tops of your feet resting on the mat. Keep the elbows close to the body and slowly lift your head, chest, and upper body off the ground as you exhale. Keep your belly on the floor and push through the tops of your feet to slightly lift your legs. Breathe deeply while holding the pose and feel a gentle stretch in your spine. Exhale and gently lower your body back down to the mat.
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)
To do this pose, kneel on the mat and sit back on your heels. Keep the knees together and feet slightly apart. Place the palms on the thighs. Straighten the back, elongating the spine. Relax the shoulders and maintain a comfortable posture. Hold this pose for a few breaths.
Make the most of the school break by adding yoga into your child’s routine, and let the journey to a healthier and more active lifestyle begin! Perhaps you and your child can even enroll in a class in a yoga studio like YogaWorks.
Watch more yoga poses for kids here: