Basic Yoga For Kids
Yoga is an ancient science and philosophy that has been practiced for thousands of years. The popularity of yoga for kids is increasing. It can be found in lunch time and after school programs, daycares, special education classes, yoga centers, pre-schools, and dance studios. Yoga for kids is a creative and fun approach to yoga that can be very helpful for children whose bodies are still developing. The visualization and breathing techniques teach kids how to relax, focus and develop self-control.
Yoga for kids is adapted for pre-school children, to develop body awareness, flexibility, self control, language, good listening skills, coordination, cooperation and powers of observation. It teaches the pre-school children about nature, their environment and it inspires their imagination. They learn yoga by singing, playing, moving and imitating. It is an ideal time for kids to begin yoga practice. You will also see how they can carry these skills beyond class and into their daily routines.
It has been known that children today are under a lot of stress because of homework, the pressure to compete with other children, endless after-school activities and over-scheduling. Just like their parents, kids today are turning to yoga to help them relax.
Yoga for kids can also help the hyperactive and attention-deficit child. This type of child usually craves for movement and sensory or motor stimulus. Yoga for kids helps to channel these impulses in a positive way. Yoga poses that seem to work especially well are the tree pose and warrior pose. They help instill confidence, calm and balance in children. Try to get the kids to think about what the postures mean, to become like the postures, strong and confident.
Yoga for kids as a Relaxation
Some children have a difficult time closing their eyes while others can not get enough when it comes to relaxation. Visualization is one technique that encourages the relaxation by letting them focus on belly breathing and listening to a relaxing music. The children should then be encouraged to share their own experiences at the end of the relaxation exercise.You can also use another approach by creating a guided visualization or story with a calming theme of some kind. Breathing exercises could help them stay centered and calm in difficult situations throughout the day.
Yoga for kids therapy 'empowers the soul to empower the body so that the child can grow with a feeling of wholeness' and reach their full potential. Early introduction of yoga for infants and toddlers enhances their healthy and natural development.