Given yoga's emphasis on mind-body fitness and its philosophy of non-violence, truthfulness, respect and self-control, many parents and teachers are turning to yoga-based training for both health education and emotional development. A variety of programs and resources are available in the form of classroom training, books and DVDs, or even yoga-based vacations that use a developmentally appropriate approach to provide children with a basic understanding of yoga while delivering multiple benefits.
Benefits
In addition to physical benefits such as increased strength, flexibility and coordination, yoga can provide children with an enhanced sense of self-awareness, greater concentration, increased respect for themselves and others, and the ability to connect more deeply with the inner self and with the world around them. Yoga postures also give children a non-competitive form of physical exercise that can help them channel and balance their energy.
Classroom Training
Various child-oriented programs have been developed to introduce the benefits of yoga in a classroom setting. Using fun and creative ways to help children explore mind-body fitness, programs such as Yoga-Recess and YogaKids use an interdisciplinary approach to health and wellness education that incorporates the character-building principles of yoga. Teachers can use games, artistic activities, and group exercises to help children express themselves and learn to work together.
Camps and Yoga Retreats
Previously considered off-limits for children, a number of yoga retreat centers are opening their doors to families. Yoga camps and retreat centers provide yoga-themed vacations that combine the benefits of yoga with fun activities for the whole family. Programs throughout the United States offer age-appropriate hatha yoga and meditation classes, outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming, and activities such as dance, games, drama, and music that allow families to connect with each other in a nurturing environment. World Family Yoga offers excursions to destinations such as Peru and Costa Rica, where daily yoga and meditation classes are combined with nature exploration, horseback riding, hiking and cultural activities.
Family Yoga Classes
Family-oriented yoga classes provide a nurturing atmosphere that encourages self-expression, teaches social skills and builds self-confidence in children. A growing number of yoga studios are offering classes geared towards families and children of all ages. Younger children learn appreciation and respect for themselves and others through singing, role-playing, drawing, quiet games and team exercises. Children are encouraged to express themselves by making sounds to correspond to yoga postures or make up their own yoga postures. Older kids can learn about better alignment, mind-body fitness, beginning anatomy, and endurance while working in small groups or with partners. Family yoga classes promote self-confidence, awareness, and control both on and off the yoga mat.
Home Study
If child yoga programs or family yoga classes are not available in your area, you can use DVDs and other resources to build a home yoga practice that offers the same benefits. YogaKids offers a selection of DVDs, audio programs, toys and games that are designed to allow children to have fun while working together rather than competing against each other. Yoga-oriented games help children learn yoga poses, explore nature, and develop respect for the world around them. DVDs can build both physical fitness and learning skills while providing children with lifelong tools for focusing and balancing their mood and energy. Many yoga teachers trained in child-friendly yoga techniques also offer private lessons.
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