Source The term "yoga" comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "union." Yoga combines physical exercises, mental meditation, and breathing techniques to strengthen the muscles and relieve stress. Top 5 benefits of childhood yoga: Healthy outlet to balance their lives Ideal way to naturally unwind and obtain physical activity at the same time Paves the way for a life-long tradition of health and fitness Children of all ages and sizes and varying degrees of athletic abilities can practice yoga Non-competitive form of exercise ABCs of Yoga for Kids has developed some beautiful resources such as this poster to assist you in introducing yoga to your children. Click HERE for more information. Below are an example of the lovely images. Click to enlarge. Plank Pose Warrior Pose Also available are these beautiful yoga pose colouring pages. Visit the blog Yoga for Kids for frequent updates and tips. Free Printables: Click HERE for more free printable yoga pose colouring pages. Click HERE for free printable PDF yoga pose cards. 10 Yoga Tips for Parents & Kids 1. Kids (and parents) should not eat right before doing yoga. It is best not to have a full stomach when practicing the postures. 2. Pick a quiet place to do yoga with your child. Preferably practice on a yoga mat or soft carpet. Using a yoga mat helps ground kids and gives them a personal space to do the postures. 3. Do the poses with your child. 4. Enjoy being with your child, and try to be in the moment rather than letting your mind wander to things you need to get done. 5. Start in the Candle pose by kneeling on the floor with your hands in prayer position in front of your heart. Take several breaths in and out through your nose before advancing to other poses. 6. Remember to always breathe in and out of your nose when practicing yoga postures. 7. Keep the tone light and fun, and never push your child to do more than they are capable of. 8. Give your child positive reinforcement to help him or her learn and improve. 9. Your final posture should be the Do Nothing Pose, where you and your child lie on your backs with your arms alongside your body and your palms facing towards the ceiling. If you have an eye pillow or small towel to cover your eyes, it helps to keep the light out. 10. Play a soothing children’s lullaby when doing the Do Nothing Pose. One of my favorite songs is “House at Pooh Corner” by Kenny Loggins. See if you and your child can lie still for the duration of the song. See how relaxed and rejuvenated you both are when you are done! Yoga Precautions for Children Children tend to have looser joints and great enthusiasm. As a result, they may be unaware when they are stretching beyond what is safe. Parents without yoga backgrounds who are interested in incorporating yoga should seek proper guidance and instruction. Parents practicing independently with their children should be aware that upside-down poses (such as headstands) pose great risk to children who have limited body awareness. According to yoga instructor Baron Baptiste, only children over 8 should try upside-down poses and only with adult supervision. Read more here or click here for more safety tips. Namaste, Lauren and Vanessa
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