Yoga has been around for centuries as a tool for fitness, spirituality and meditation.
In recent years, it has become more common as an activity for kids.
There are many classes that teach yoga to kids or let them practise it in a group.
So, is it worth it?
Should your children be doing yoga?
Short answer: Yes.
There are many benefits that come from practising yoga, and these aren’t any different for children.
Let’s look at these benefits individually.
Relaxation
Children need to relax too.
Children are just getting started out in the world, and they have a lot of things to think about and deal with, despite what some people might think.
Some children struggle to balance out and regulate their moods, and some find it difficult to understand or express their emotions.
Yoga is a great way for children to have time to relax, unwind and have some peace.
It gives them time to reflect and work out some of their feelings, and it gives them space to calm down if they have been overwhelmed or frustrated.
Having a child who struggles with tantrums or meltdowns practise yoga is the perfect way to help them.
Don’t underestimate how stressed a child can be just because they are a child.
Flexbility
Yoga is great for flexibility and starting when you’re young gives you a head start.
Kids are naturally bendy and flexible, and so getting into yoga at a young age allows them to stay this way.
A good level of flexibility will help your children as they grow and develop, keeping their muscles and bones healthy.
They’ll also thank you later in life when they are better at P.E. and sports than the rest of their friends.
Balance and Co-ordination
Regular yoga practice helps children develop their balance and coordination.
We’ve all seen our children flop and fall over regularly, and it might even be something we worry about.
Yoga will help your children get used to their own body and their own limits. Balance and coordination are greatly improved through yoga practice, and you will see their strength and pose increase easily over time.
Concentration and Memory
Aside from the physical benefits, yoga is also valuable for children’s mental wellbeing.
The time spent meditating and focusing is a great way to improve a child’s levels of concentration and memory.
If your child struggles to pay attention or sit still, especially in school, getting them into yoga will really help with these issues over time. It helps children get comfortable with silence, and comfortable with being alone with their own thoughts.
Learning to concentrate will be a hugely beneficial skill for your child as they go forward in life.
Play
At the end of the day, yoga is an enjoyable activity for children.
Yoga helps them get used to their own bodies and the movement of their bodies. It allows them to open up, be free, and, ultimately, just play.
Children naturally love to be active and move about, and yoga is the ideal way to channel that energy into something disciplined.
Starting yoga young will set your children up in life in a range of beneficial ways.
