Yoga programs for children provide physical benefits and health education while promoting emotional well-being. According to YogaKids founder Marsha Wenig, children navigating busy parents, schoolwork, lessons and social pressures need methods for combating stress. Children who learn techniques for "self-health, relaxation, and inner fulfillment ... can navigate life's challenges with a little more ease," Wenig says. Yoga programs for kids commonly use an interdisciplinary approach to encourage self-expression, build self-esteem and provide a physical activity that fosters cooperation instead of competition.
YogaKids
Designed by Wenig, YogaKids is a yoga program for children that uses DVDs, teacher training and other resources to introduce the many benefits of yoga to children. The YogaKids Tools for Schools program, designed for grades K through 5, combines yoga poses with games, activities, relaxation techniques and visualization exercises to foster self-confidence, build life skills, and help children feel more connected to their communities. Teachers are provided with character education techniques that help them convey the principles of confidence, compassion, tolerance, patience and nonviolence. No prior yoga experience is necessary for students or teachers.
Yoga-Recess
Yoga-Recess is a yoga-based health and fitness program designed by the Yoga Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting preventive health care. Yoga-Recess provides schools with affordable health and fitness education that offers methods for combating childhood obesity and chronic illness. Yoga-Recess DVDs, which are free to teachers, can be used to encourage mind-body fitness and promote health education in schools, day care centers, after-school programs, community centers and youth organizations. The program also provides teachers with information on how to incorporate mind-body fitness into their classroom routine and inspire children to live a healthful life.
Family Yoga Classes
More yoga studios are offering family classes that parents and children can attend together. These classes offer many of the same benefits as regular yoga classes, including increased strength, flexibility and peace of mind. "In many communities, children are often dropped-off for extracurricular activities," says Michelle Wing, founder and executive director of San Francisco's It's Yoga, Kids. "Adults and kids are often over-scheduled, stressed-out and just plain busy. One hour a week of being present without expectations is a sweet gift and a huge bonding experience for families." Child-friendly yoga classes often incorporate dance, drawing, music, and other forms of artistic expression.
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