0

Comments

Every parent wants to ensure the very best for their children. They are constantly on the lookout for different ways and means to give their child a ‘head start’ in this deeply competitive world. What better way to give them a head start than to equip them with the ability to achieve mind-body-soul equilibrium, which is the guiding principle of Yoga. Yoga for kids can be extremely beneficial for them, both in the short and the long term and can have a deep and positive impact on the quality of their lives.

Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind with regard to Yoga for kids:

• Kids below age 6 should not be subjected to more than 1 minute of exercise, followed by 15 minutes of Yoga session.
• Kids above age 6 can be allowed up to a minute and a half of exercise, followed by a 25 minutes of Yoga session.
• Kids should be encouraged to assume every posture correctly, although no physical pressure should be applied to make them do so. It is important to remember that bones at a very young age are tender and if the Yoga poses are consistently wrong, they may affect bone formation.
• Provide positive reinforcement to help them achieve perfection in their poses instead of forcing them to do so.
• Always use demonstration as a technique instead of just explaining the posture to them. Kids are much better at imitating what they see instead of trying to understand the explanations and follow them.
• Take as many breaks as you feel fit. On the other hand, encourage kids to be still and quiet. This gives them an opportunity to look inwards.
• Encourage kids to keep their eyes closed when required. This helps them understand how each pose feels.

It is highly recommended that children learn yoga from a trained and certified Yoga teacher. It is crucial that they are taught correctly and precisely. On the other hand, a trained professional is also more equipped to handle children and keep their attention for the duration of the class. The best way to find a Yoga teacher for your kids is to enquire at your local Yoga centers. If that is not helpful, you are sure to find yoga centers that offer Yoga for children on the Net.

There are many benefits to teaching Yoga to kids. If you are still undecided whether or not to take your child to learn Yoga, here’s a list of some of the benefits of Children’s Yoga:

• It helps them build self esteem and self confidence
• It improves their ability to concentrate and focus
• It improves their memory
• It improves their stamina and keeps them healthy
• It makes them more mentally alert
• It helps them get flexibility and balance in their bodies
• It helps them cope with stress and anxiety
• It gives impetus to their creativity and imagination
• It makes them calmer and more peaceful.