If there is a type of physical exercise that is beneficial for every age group, then that is yoga. (1) Unfortunately, kids are as stressed as adults in these present times. Children go through a ton of strain to remain at par in school and other additional activities. Also, undesirable food options, such as fast food, have turned into a major part of their way of life.
As is known quite popularly, there are many advantages of yoga, such as:
- unwinding,
- less stress,
- mental balance,
- controlled breathing,
- and great physical and spiritual strength.
Yoga is a great exercise for parents and children to do together. You can do it in your own home and there’s insignificant danger of inflicting damage.
Benefits of yoga to children
Yoga develops the physical strength, promotes mental peace, brings flexibility and strength in kids, increases concentration and boosts self confidence; it has helped many kids who have been detected with ADHD symptoms. (2)
Yoga can be made fun for the kids by including art, music, storytelling and animals to make the exercise even more fun and effective. It is a great tool to help the kids calm themselves which later helps them maintain their cool when a problem strikes.
While encouraging the children to practice yoga with you, always remember that yoga is not something that can be imposed. Rather, there are many different and fun ways to motivate children so that they practice yoga. Given underneath are some of the most effective tips that will encourage your children to practice it with you.
Practice in front of them
Children mimic what they see the most, not what they are told to do. Actually, they are increasingly enlivened to do the things being completed by their parents. Benefiting from this inclination, you can get them inspired by yoga. Simply practice yoga before your children.
Along these lines, it will be possible to stimulate their interest and in the long run they will be keen on yoga. A very good way is to request them that they go along with you, as well. Children are curious by their very nature. It is all about rolling out your yoga mat in front of them and making them understand that yoga is natural and should be a part of everyday routine.
Teach them the benefits of yoga
Although it may not be possible to clarify in detail the unlimited advantages of yoga to your children, you can utilize your creativeness to plant a little seed of interest in your children’s mind. For instance, you can disclose to them that yoga can make them physically strong and mentally at peace like their most loved fictional character. This will draw them towards yoga more and more.
Make it fun!
Rehearsing with your children isn’t an ideal opportunity to practice the headstand or some other advanced yoga poses.
Choose some fun loving yoga poses like:
- Downward Facing Dog,
- Camel pose,
- Partner pose, etc.
Children ought to be permitted to translate the postures and advance toward them at their own speed as long as yoga is done securely. Play with their imagination as you practice these poses with them because that will encourage them to have fun during the process. You can also imitate some animals or make noises while practicing the yoga poses to help children remember the poses.
Take them to a yoga class
Start sending them to yoga classes once they are experienced enough to perform yoga alone. This will help them investigate yoga further on their own. It should also help them gain certainty and an awareness of their abilities, and it will offer them the chance to interact with peers who have similar interests.
Teach, then follow their lead
Give your children a chance to pick their preferred posture and then follow their lead. You can also give them a chance to think of their own posture with its very own exceptional name. Another great way is to have your very own posture of the day challenge with your children. This will spark their interest even more.
The main trick is to let them have fun with yoga as much as possible so that it becomes easy for them to enjoy the process.
Final say on getting your kids onboard with yoga
Encourage the strengths of your kids during the yoga practice while encouraging them to stay healthy. Start with basic yoga poses and then move on to things like meditation and pranayama practices.
With everything we mentioned, it is also necessary to be careful at the time of practicing with your children. Remember that the yoga poses are suitable for the age and current development of kids.
For instance; some kids might be quick to learn moving poses while others may not be. Kids should also have the strength to hold a yoga pose for a necessary period of time. In addition to the age of the kids, make sure that the children are practicing yoga poses based on their health conditions.
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