Yoga for Kids
As yoga becomes more and more popular around the world, I am thrilled that yoga is also reaching children through the classroom, gymnasium and extra-curricular activities. Sure, yoga builds confidence, self-esteem, flexibility and strength; improves sleep, focus and concentration; teaches respect for self and others; promotes environmental awareness and teaches relaxation techniques, just to name a few benefits. What you may not realize is how FUN yoga for kids can be! 
Wild animal poses, yoga games that build team-building and teach important life lessons, relaxing visualization exercises and creative projects are all part of the fun for kids practicing yoga.
So the next time you roll out your mat, why not ask your child to join you? You may be surprised as he shows you his Tree Pose, demonstrates Buzzing Bee Breath, or teaches you the meaning of “Namaste.”
To read The PranaMama’s posts related to children’s yoga, click HERE!
THE PRANAMAMA’S FAVORITE CHILDREN’S YOGA SITES & ORGANIZATIONS:
ChildLight Yoga: Children’s yoga classes, teacher trainings, workshops, products. I owe everything I know about kids yoga to CLY, Lisa Flynn and her wonderful team of instructors!
The Kids Yoga Resource: The ChildLight Yoga Blog
Itsy Bitsy Yoga®: Itsy Bitsy Yoga® is a compassionate, fun-loving and interactive program focused on deepening the bond between parent and child through yoga. It was developed by Helen Garabedien, Infant Development Movement Educator and Yoga Teacher, and includes over 75 calming and nuturing yoga poses and techniques that are developmentally nutritious for a baby from birth to 24 months.
YogaKids: developed by Marsha Wenig, YogaKids recreates traditional yoga techniques and poses and fun and educational ways.
Young Yoga Masters: children’s yoga classes, teacher trainings and online teacher tips and resources.
Yoga In My School: a wide range of tips and ideas for teaching children’s yoga, including poses, props, activities and using storytelling to encourage imagination through yoga.
KarmaSpot: thoughts and reflections from a Yogi, Athlete, Mom-turned-Kids’ Yoga Instructor. Another wonderful resource for anyone who teaches school, yoga or participates in yoga with their own children.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST:
Why Yoga for Kids? (Yoga Journal)
Yoga helps even little ones channel energy, emotion (CNN)
Belly Breaths and Downward Dogs for the Young Yogi (Kiwi Magazine)
Family Yoga (Yogamint)
The Power of Visual Imagery for Children (ChildLight Yoga)
Om-schooling: Help School-bound Kids Relax (Raising Maine)
The Benefits of Yoga for Babies, Toddlers and Tykes (Itsy Bitsy Yoga®)
Useful and Fun Yoga Games (Yoga In My School)
The Top 5 Reasons Yoga Helps Children (KarmaSpot)
Yoga Helps Kids Connect with Nature (KarmaSpot)
Songs for Teaching Kids Yoga (Young Yoga Masters)
Yoga for the Boys (Kids Yoga Resource [formerly ChildLight Yoga blog])
Yoga helps some kids with ADD/ADHD (Teaching Kids Yoga)
Top Ten Tips for Teaching Kids Yoga (Yoga In My School)
Yoga Benefits Teens (Yoga In My School)
STAY TUNED FOR THE EXPANSION OF THIS PAGE TO INCLUDE TIPS, ADVICE, RESOURCES, REFERENCES AND LINKS TO MY FAVORITE KIDS’ YOGA PROGRAMS AND TOOLS. IF YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION, I’D LOVE TO HEAR IT! PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH YOUR THOUGHTS AND FAVORITE LINKS.
