Yoga for the Whole Family

Yoga and mindfulness for children’s health

Practicing yoga and mindfulness improves both physical and mental health in children. The effects of yoga on a growing child include increased concentration, memory, academic performance, reduction of anxiety and stress, balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity.

Yoga for children and moments of family connection

Children can practice yoga postures alone, in groups, or with parents.

As a yoga instructor, I enjoy teaching these types of classes or actively participating on the mat with my child.

Family yoga is primarily a yoga class for children that includes a special invitation for parents. The postures are introduced through stories and games, all expressed in age-appropriate language for the children attending the class. Asanas are sometimes presented in the form of animals or plants, while other times they use familiar names for parents.

The benefits of spending time together in a special way

These classes offer time that children and parents spend together, but in a completely new and different way from their time at home. In this context, parents and children are in the same position, that of students, which requires parents to temporarily let go of their authoritative attitude, giving children the opportunity to observe them in the role of learners/students.

Children learn to follow their parents, and through their involvement in yoga, parents demonstrate the importance they attach to physical and mental health. Additionally, parents prioritize the parent-child relationship.

The parent, a partner in the child’s world

The beginning may seem somewhat challenging for the parent, as they need to give “free rein to their imagination,” letting go of inhibitions and stepping into the “character’s shoes” presented.

Parents who participate in these classes are inspired by their own children, observing the natural way in which they interpret different characters/heroes. Children up to the age of six are a “real spectacle,” effectively bringing the postures they imitate to life.

Yoga and the deep connection between parents and children

We live in a constantly changing society. As parents, we try to apply various parenting techniques in order to prepare our children for life’s challenges.

Participating in such a class offers you the opportunity to know your child from a different perspective, one in which you are involved in a true partnership with them. The trust you give them and the support they offer when you are vulnerable are some of the elements highlighted by this exercise. Your personal example greatly influences your child’s way of being, and thus the child surprises you in situations where you, as a parent, respect authority without losing your individuality.

From my own experience, I can say that parent-child yoga “pushes you” outside your comfort zone and activates your creativity, prompting you in a non-verbal way to awaken your “inner teacher,” the one who knows how to inspire and set boundaries when necessary, teaching you to be present and attentive to their needs and to enjoy the present moment.”