More and more, children are being taught yoga as means to offset the stress of living in a hectic, technologically driven world. The reduction of physical education in school, the strong interest kids have in video games and the Internet contribute to children spending more time sitting and less time stretching their muscles and enjoying connecting in group activities. Yoga is a great way for kids to develop strength and focus, and keep their bones and muscles flexible.
Benefits of Yoga
Marsha Wenig, creator of the YogaKids video and educational curriculum, notes yoga helps teach children how to connect with themselves, gain self-esteem and awareness of the strength and coordination they are able to employ through doing different yoga movements and poses. Yoga also teaches children a new way to relax, take care of their health and exercise in a non-competitive environment.
Getting Children Interested
Engaging children in yoga can sometimes be challenging as they often have short attention spans. Getting them to imagine they are the characters in the pose, such as a tree, a cat or a warrior, makes the process more interactive and fun for kids who like to use their creativity in taking on different roles. Using songs with the poses can also help make the experience of doing yoga more fun.
Street Yoga
Street Yoga brings yoga to homeless and abused children through programs around the country. Founder Mark Lilly says the program, which recruits social workers, psychologists and mental-health workers, helps kids overcome horrific challenges, be part of a community and provides them a way to take care of themselves on a physical and spiritual level.
Common Yoga Poses
The tree, plough, crow and wheel are common poses children can use to keep the spine strong and flexible, strengthen the muscles of the arms and legs, improve circulation and improve concentration.
Cooperation and Respect
Yoga facilitates good communication and attention skills, and promotes respect for the group environment and helps children work toward a common goal. In return, children can gain a sense of achievement by mastering poses and learning how to get along with others.
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