Yoga For Children: 5 Beginner Poses, Tips, And More By Expert

Have you ever seen a child simply sit still, not because they were asked to, but because they wished to? The majority of children are naturally energetic and curious, and constantly move around. That is exactly the reason why yoga may turn into such a beautiful gift to them.

As children grow and develop, it’s essential to introduce them to activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Yoga is an excellent way to help your kids develop flexibility, balance, and focus while fostering a sense of calm and confidence. Discover some beginner poses and tips to help them welcome yoga into their lives with insights from our expert, Dr Archika Sudhanshu, Spiritual and Meditation Guru.

Dr Sudhanshu said, “Yoga is typically thought of as a stress-relieving or stretching activity for grown-ups who have spent the day sitting down. However, what if we reversed that? What if we taught yoga before there's stress in their lives, when children are learning to manage big emotions and new things?”

Why It's Worth Starting Yoga Young?

Childhood these days is far different from what most of us recall. School stress begins early. With a mix of screens, hectic schedules, and comparison traps, children are taking in so much, and they do not necessarily know how to digest it.

That's where yoga comes in, not as a physical exercise, but as a means to help them feel connected in their tiny bodies and brains.

It shows them how to slow down and listen. How to breathe when they become overwhelmed. How to tap into their feelings rather than suppressing them. “It's like providing them with a small emotional first-aid kit they can take with them through life,” said the expert.

How To Make Yoga Fun And Light For Children?

Of course, if you've ever attempted to get a five-year-old to ‘focus on their breath,’ you know it's not exactly that easy. That's why children's yoga must be more play and less class. You can throw in music, stories, and games. This way, yoga is suddenly the highlight of their day.

Here are some simple exercises to start with:

1. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Get on your hands and knees. First, be a frightened cat, curve the back and then be a happy cow and get the belly down. It’s a great way to awaken your body!

2. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): Stand straight and bring one foot to the inner leg and pose like a tree in the wind. Then, if you can, bring your hands down or reach up like branches.

3. Lion’s Breath (Pranayama): Sit tall and take a big breath in through the nose, and then ROAR like a lion! It is commonly one of the kids’ most favourite ways of releasing huge emotions.

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4. Bumblebee Breathing (Bhramari Pranayama): Sit down with your eyes closed and fingers inserted into your ears to hum like a bee as the breath flows out. It is calming and a good one to do before bedtime or during a tantrum.

5. Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand with your feet together and arms resting by your sides. Try to be steady and strong like a mountain. Breathe very slowly and deeply, and feel grounded.

How Can Grown-Ups Help Children Embrace Yoga?

Children are habituated to imitating. Experts suggest that if you roll out your yoga mat and breathe deeply when you are under stress, chances are that your child will do the same. As a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you don't have to be a yoga master. You simply need to start.

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Image Credits: Freepik