Why Yoga For Kids Is Good
It might seem rather weird that Yoga for kids is becoming more and more well loved, but remember that Yoga has been practiced for many thousands of years and has a proven track record of bringing benefits both physical and mental. It seems only logical that, as adults, we should pass these benefits on to our children.
We read daily about youngsters becoming stressed and nervous because of pressures within the education system (exams, extra curricular activities, competition, etc) and also social and peer pressures. If your children seem to be suffering in this way then Kids yoga might just provide one way of easing the tension. Breathing and visualization techniques will teach them how to develop powers of concentration and focus, as well as relaxation and increased self-control.
Yoga for kids is often taught in schools, usually at lunchtimes or after school clubs. Dance studios incorporate yoga into their routines and even daycare centers and pre-schools often have some element of Yoga in their program. Essentially, kids Yoga is FUN and very vital to youngsters whose bodies are going through a very hard stage of development.
In pre-school, yoga for kids is specially designed and adapted to:
1. Teach about body awareness.
2. Develop increased flexibility.
3. Buy excellent listening skills.
4. Promote self control.
5. Increase powers of observation.
6. Develop language skills.
7. Increase coordination skills.
8. Promote cooperation with others.
It’s quite a list, isn’t it? But they are vital skills that all youngsters need to learn if they are to grow up healthy and with a balanced outlook on life. Kids Yoga also teaches youngsters about:
1. The environment.
2. Nature.
3. How to use and develop their imagination.
So, you’re probably wondering how all this is achieved? Well, yoga for kids involves lots of moving, singing, playing and mime or imitating things. In other words, it’s a FUN activity!
Kids Yoga can also help children with ADHD or any attention-deficit child. If you have a child like this, you’ll have noticed how they delight in (and need) lots of motor and sensory stimulus. The postures, poses and movement in Yoga can provide this stimulus and bring about a cool and confidence that sometimes appears quite miraculous. Postures such as the Warrior and Tree pose are extremely beneficial.
Like adults, children need to relax every so often. Kids Yoga often uses relaxing music and visualization techniques (sometimes ‘guided’ with a tale) to encourage the child to focus on their breathing. Often, a session will end with the child being encouraged to share their experiences. Most importantly, the breathing focus will eventually allow the child to stay cool and in control in stressful situations, both in school and out.
It’s never too early to start Yoga and Yoga for kids provides a holistic approach to developing rounded, healthy personalities. Whatever stage of development your son or daughter is at, kids Yoga is one of the best investments you can make in their education AND they will learn vital skills that will stay with them forever.
Yardley Moore invites you to learn more about the fantastic benefits of Yoga by visiting http://www.YourYogaTips.com where you will find lots of information and advice for the Yoga enthusiast.
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