14 Benefits of Yoga for Children + Teens

What is Kids Yoga?

Yoga for Kids and Youth is the same as for adults in that, I believe yoga is a very personal experience - we each connect to it differently and that needs to be honoured. Ask anyone who practices how they came to it. Was it through the physical practice? Meditation? Breathwork? Vedic story and writings? In that same vein, we need to respect where each of us are at and appreciate that children come to yoga for their own reasons too. We also need to respect that we each learn differently, and that children learn primarily through play and their senses - generally visually and kinetic dominant. Children under 7 are in the process of grounding, so physical experiences such as yoga, can greatly support this development. As we grow and develop our own learning styles, we learn more through other ways and can focus more on our own inner experience, relationships to others and discussion.

14 Benefits of gloWithin Kids Yoga + Yoga for Teens

• Improves body awareness - strength, balance, coordination, endurance + proprioception
• Greater mind-body connection + interoceptive skills including breath awareness
• Understanding of their emotions, the science behind them + tools for emotional resilience
• Awareness of other's emotions, needs + development of empathy
• Communication and leadership skills for greater confidence
• Tools for greater independence and collaboration with others
• Understanding personal boundaries, body autonomy, and respect for others
• Develops healthy coping skills for resilient children
• Greater self-acceptance, positive body-image, and development of self-care practices
• Improves focus, memory, concentration, and self-discipline
• Better sleep and tools to self-soothe
• Healthier, happier, more peaceful lives!
• Encourages creativity
• It’s FUN!

How You Can Practice Yoga at Home with Your Kids

With children under 7 years, get creative through movement with them. Allow them to guide you and create their own poses with full expression - sounds and all! When we make sounds, we need to breathe… so we are actually also doing breathwork! You can also lay down with them and place a stuffy on their stomach so they can watch their breath move their body. Ask them how they feel after. How do you feel!?

Between 8 and 11 years you can create a little class with them - maybe you take turns leading the poses to music. See who can hold the pose the longest for a fun challenge! Breathe through the poses, make sounds, have fun! Include a calming practice where you both notice the sensations in your body - your breath, your heart beat, and any other sensations that may come up. You can read more about Somatoemotional Awareness here.

Youth 12 and up would love to be included in your practice! If you practice at home or go to a studio, have them join you! Creating an evening ritual is especially helpful at this age, as anxiety due to changes and pressures can be at a high. Help them create a self-care practice that soothes them - a personal flow of movement, followed by legs up the wall and slowing down the breath. Notice the breath, sensations, and emotions that may come up. What is your body trying to tell you. Journaling can be very helpful to note this down and let it out. Return to slow, deep breathing.

Learn More

For a deep dive, join me for one of my upcoming trainings - accessible to all (not just yoga teachers + YACEP accredited for yoga teachers).

🔹 Children + Teen Yoga Training

🔹 Balancing the Chakras for Resilience

🔹 Baby + Me Yoga Training

🔹 gloWithin Family

🔹 gloWithin mOm

I also have a free, downloadable Self Care Journal (designed with Parents + Educators in mind).

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions - I always love to hear from you!

Katie

Please share this with anyone you feel would benefit!