Yoga can help kids with their self-esteem, listening skills and motor development, according to Helen Garabedian, author of "Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers." Many yoga poses are named after animals, which makes it easier and fun for children to understand and mimic. Demonstration of the poses helps your child and goes with the animal theme of monkey see, monkey do.
Cat Pose
Cat Pose is a simple yoga animal pose that creates movement in the spine and also boosts digestion. Kneel on your hands and knees. Line your hands right underneath your shoulders and your knees right under your hips. Round and press your spine toward the ceiling and let your head float toward the floor. Hold for three breaths. Make the "meow" sound as you hold the pose to create an audible relation to Cat Pose.
Cow Pose
Cow Pose is the counter pose to Cat Pose and stretches the front of the body. From Cat Pose, let your belly sink toward the floor as you raise your gaze upward which creates a curve in the spine. Make the cow sound "moo" and move back and forth between Cat and Cow Pose five times. Your child will start to enjoy the movement with the sounds all while warming up her spine.
Down Dog Pose
Down Dog gives kids' brains "a boost in circulation and improves breathing," according to Garabedian. From Cow Pose, curl your toes under, and lift your hips up as you straighten your arms. Your body will resemble an upside down V. Gaze straight back at your belly and relax your neck.
Lion Pose
Roaring like a lion is an actual yoga pose that alleviates stress and tension. Perfect to help with tantrums, kids are able to relieve anger and irritation. Sit in a comfortable cross leg position. Inhale through your nose and exhale out your mouth making the sound "ha." Extend your tongue toward your chin, widen your eyes and allow your jaw to fully release. Repeat three to five times and let go with a fuller roar each time.
References
- "Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers"; Helen Garabedian; 2008
- Yoga Journal: Cow Pose
- Yoga Journal: Lion Pose
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