Why Yoga for Children? “Yoga provides training of mind and body to bring emotional balance. We argue that children and young people need such tools to listen inward to their bodies, feelings, and ideas. Yoga may assist them in developing in sound ways, to strengthen themselves, and be contributing social beings. First, we address how children and young people in today’s world face numerous expectations and constant stimulation through the Internet and other media and communication technologies. One reason why children experience stress and mental health challenges is that
globalization exposes the youth all over the world to various new demands, standards, and options. There is also increased pressure to succeed in school, partly due to increased competition but also a diverse range of options available for young people in contemporary times than in the past. Our argument also partially rests on the fact that modern society offers plenty of distractions and unwelcome attractions, especially linked to new media technologies. The dominant presence of multimedia devices and the time spent on them by children are clear indicators of the shift in lifestyles and
priorities and entertainment, they also result in constant competition for youngster’s attention. A main concept in our article is that yoga may help children and young people cope with stress and thus, contribute positively to balance in life, well-being, and mental health. We present research literature suggesting that yoga improves children’s physical and mental well-being. Similarly, yoga helps students improve resilience, mood, and self-regulation skills pertaining to emotions and stress.” (Hagen, 2014)
Read the whole article here
Children Yoga is a playful form of yoga where we use creative yoga stories with different ground values (help each other, care for the nature, self-care, etc) where basic yoga positions and breathing exercises are integrated.
Yoga is a wonderful way to encourage the children’s creativity, movement, coordination, self-awareness and self-esteem!
Children yoga does not encourage expectations or competition and therefore promotes a sense of peacefulness and relaxation.
It is not either a religious practice! Different people with different religious background do yoga as a body and mind practice.
There is today enough research about the benefits of yoga, both for the physical well being but also mental well being. What about for children? Is there enough research about it? Does it help children in any way? The answer is yes!
The benefits of yoga in children are vast and now also scientifically proven:
- Improves attention and emotional control
- Improves prefrontal cortex function, including the ability to plan and execute complex functions
- Influences neurotransmitter function
- Improves strength and flexibility of muscles while increasing circulation, uptake of oxygen, and functioning of hormones
- Parasympathetic nervous system activation enhancing resistance to the effects of stress.
- Addresses stress and anxiety by treating the body and mind
- Places emphasis on individual abilities rather than competition
- Provides non-threatening and gentle method to increase physical fitness and enhance health and well-being.
“Yoga appears to be an effective modality for helping children cope with stress and anxiety”, claims Chandra Nanthakumar, on her 2018 study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine.
“Our initial work found that many kids expressed anxious feelings in third grade as the classroom work becomes more developmentally complex (…). Even younger children are experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety, especially around test time.” (Bazzano et al. 2018)
The fact is that children also experience stress just like we adults do as well, and just like yoga works for us to release that stress and activate our parasympathetic nervous system, so it works for them. Other studies show decreasing cortisol levels after the practice of yoga which reflects just that.
It is about when school starts, at 6 years old, that it seems to be a very good investment to start the practice of yoga, but obviously the earlier the better!
Chandra Nanthakumar, The benefits of yoga in children, Journal of Integrative Medicine, Volume 16, Issue 1, 2018, Pages 14-19, DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2017.12.008
Alessandra N Bazzano, Christopher E Anderson, Chelsea Hylton, Jeanette Gustat. Effect of mindfulness and yoga on quality of life for elementary school students and teachers: results of a randomized controlled school-based study. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 2018; Volume 11: 81 DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S157503
Hagen I, Nayar US. Yoga for Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Well-Being: Research Review and Reflections on the Mental Health Potentials of Yoga. Front Psychiatry. 2014;5:35. Published 2014 Apr 2. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00035
Welcome to yoga with miau
Yoga for Children between 4 and 10 years old, Online & Live
“Miau” is Log In Yoga’s cat yogi that guides children in different adventures during our classes.
He is very wise and kind but most of all, he is very creative.
Kids love him and he loves them back.
You can invite “Miau” into your house with this book.
how can you at home help
Online class preparation
Prepare the space
Make sure your child has a yoga mat, a towel or something else he/she feels comfortable sitting on. If you have the opportunity then use the computer or even TV so that he/she can see the teacher well. Maybe you can dim the lights slightly and play calm music in the background. Some incense or aroma difuser is always appreciated by them as well.
Logistics
Place the front of the mat to face the screen. For children between 4 and 6 years old it is always good for you at home to practice with them and show them how to do it too. Besides, they will love to see you and your inner child coming out 😉
after class
After every class there is going to be suggested activities that are completely optional. Every week you will receive an email informing you about the lesson plan and those suggested activities.
Join the Log In Yoga tribe
We offer different classes for different ages and our membership plans reflect that. Take a look at our plans and chose the one that fits you and your family best.
Children learn Yoga better than adults, this is one of my greatest experiences. This will certainly help to raise their capabilities. Thanks for sharing this.
Absolutely Leona! Thank you <3