The Delight of Kids Yoga: A Guide to Teaching, Benefits, and Mindfulness!

As generations pass, family dynamics are changing and so is the upbringing of our children. In the past, children went to school, came home, finished their homework, and rushed outdoors to play until dusk. Life was simple!

Now, children are introduced to cell phones, tablets, and televisions early on. Screentime starts with an hour-long ritual to mealtime necessity and finally becomes an addiction that kids can’t live without. No wonder, the average attention span of children is gradually decreasing.

Unlike in the past, both parents are working, signifying an increase in purchasing capacity. Eating out has become a lifestyle. Children prefer all sorts of junk over homemade healthy food deemed boring by most children.  Children today are nutrition-deficient, meaning their food contains processed meat, a high amount of refined sugar, fried food, white flour, packet junk, biscuits, sodas, and what not!

On top of the unhealthy lifestyle, children are burdened by academics. Illnesses such as juvenile diabetes, neurological disorder, obesity, attention disorder, eye strain, sleep cycle disruption, aggression, anxiety, depression, reduced creativity, language development problem, lack of focus, and concentration have become common problems in kids today. That’s where kids yoga comes in!

Kids yoga is a must-needed solution to our so-called “modern upbringing”. Where children lack focus, yoga demands stillness, where concentration is an issue, yoga practices build and enhance focus. Children practicing yoga will start living a life of well-being from an early age.

What is Kids Yoga?

Kids Yoga is a joyful, interactive, and transformative practice that blends physical movement, breath work, mindfulness, self-awareness with playfulness. This type of yoga is designed specifically for children for their holistic physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive development.

Even though the practice is the same as adults’ yoga, the approach and teaching methods are different. While adult yoga typically emphasizes stillness and deep stretches, kids yoga introduces playful components such as storytelling, games, fun activities, and imaginative poses. It’s designed to match children’s shorter attention spans and high energy levels, making it a fun and accessible activity for kids of all ages.

Benefits of Kids Yoga

Needless to say, yoga is a holistic approach for physical and mental benefits for everyone, and for kids who start on their yoga journey early on, the benefits are profound and notable.

• Improved Emotional Well-being:
  A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that yoga interventions in schools significantly reduced anxiety and emotional distress among children, leading to better emotional self-regulation and coping skills.
  Reference: Telles, S., Singh, N., Bhardwaj, A. et al. (2019). Frontiers in Psychology.
• Cognitive and Academic Benefits:
  Research published in The Journal of Child Development indicates that regular yoga practice improves attention, memory, and executive functioning, which positively impact academic performance.
  Reference: White, J. et al. (2021). The Journal of Child Development.
• Physical Health Benefits:
  A study by Harvard Medical School highlights yoga’s role in improving physical flexibility, strength, and body awareness in children, contributing to better posture and physical coordination.
  Reference: Harvard Health Publishing (2019).
• Stress Management and Mental Health:
  Research from The Journal of Clinical Child Psychology shows that yoga helps children manage stress, reduces symptoms of depression, and improves mood stability.
  Reference: Mitchell, J. et al. (2020). The Journal of Clinical Child Psychology.
• Behavioral Improvements:
  Studies have documented improvements in behavior, social interactions, and self-discipline among children who regularly practice yoga.
  Reference: Steiner, N.J. et al. (2013). Journal of Behavioral Development.
• Improved Focus and Concentration:
  Breathing exercises and yoga poses can boost children’s attention spans and enhance academic performance. (American Psychological Association)
• Increased Self-Confidence:
  Yoga promotes self-awareness and fosters confidence by emphasizing personal progress rather than competition. (Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health)
• Better Sleep Patterns:
  The calming effects of regular yoga practice can contribute to healthier and more restful sleep in children. (Sleep Foundation)

Can Kids Do Yoga?

Certainly! Children of all ages from toddlers to teens can do yoga. Yoga is both safe and fun for the children. Children’s yoga practice can be customized to fit various developmental stages and skill levels.

For younger children, yoga tends to be more playful and creative, while older kids might prefer structured sequences and mindfulness exercises. However, instructors have to be mindful of the developmental stages and capacity of children to perform asanas at different ages.  The most important aspect is to keep it enjoyable and captivating, ensuring that kids feel at ease and enthusiastic about joining in.

How to Teach Kids Yoga?

Children have a shorter attention span compared to adults. Keeping this in mind, kids yoga is designed to involve children voluntarily without pressuring them to do the poses. Unlike adult yoga, kids yoga is more fun and engaging. The following tips are helpful to teach kids yoga:

• Make It Fun and Engaging: Incorporate storytelling, games, songs, and props to create an enjoyable yoga experience. For example, turn a yoga sequence into an imaginative adventure where kids “explore” different places.
• Use Clear and Simple Instructions: Avoid complex directions. Demonstrate poses and use age-appropriate, straightforward language to make them easy to follow.
• Introduce Mindfulness: Teach kids basic breathing exercises and simple mindfulness techniques to help them focus and stay calm.
• Stay Adaptable: Be prepared to adjust the session based on the kids’ attention spans and energy levels. Don’t forget to give breaks in between.
• Encourage Creativity: Allow children to create their own poses or add unique elements to the practice, nurturing their imagination and sense of ownership.
• Use positive reinforcement: Always be aware of the words used with children. Negative words can demotivate the little minds from participating at all. Always use words of encouragement.

How to Become a Kids Yoga Teacher? Kids Yoga Certification?

If you love yoga and enjoy working with children, teaching kids’ yoga can be a rewarding career. Here’s how to get started:

1. Complete a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT): Although not always mandatory, earning a 200-hour YTT certification provides a strong foundation and is highly beneficial.
2. Specialize in Kids Yoga: Enroll in a specialized certification program focused on child development, age-appropriate yoga techniques, and effective classroom management. Check out our workshop on Kids Yoga!
3. Gain Practical Experience: Build confidence by teaching at schools, community centers, or yoga studios. Volunteering is a great way to start.
4. Keep Learning: Stay inspired and informed by participating in workshops, taking online courses, and reading up on the latest trends and techniques.

Kids Yoga and Mindfulness

Unlike the popular belief that children cannot really practice meditation and mindfulness, they actually can. Even though, on average, most children have a lesser attention span than adults, children can stay present with the help of many different fun activities and tools.

One of the most helpful tools that is used to help children practice mindfulness is “observing their breath”. By encouraging children to focus on their breath and stay present in the moment, yoga helps them build emotional resilience and self-awareness.

Mindfulness practices, like guided breathing exercises or body scans, can be easily incorporated into kids yoga sessions. Visualization works very well with them. These tools equip kids with healthy ways to manage stress, anxiety, and intense emotions.

For instance, a “balloon breath” exercise, where children visualize inflating a balloon in their belly as they inhale, can help them feel calm and centered.

Conclusion

Kids Yoga is more than just a physical activity—it’s a powerful way to promote happiness, health, and mindfulness in young minds. Children practicing yoga at a younger age are more likely to be flexible, healthy, and live a healthier life as an adult. By making the kids yoga practice fun, accessible, and meaningful, we can help kids build a strong foundation for lifelong physical and mental well-being.