5 November, 2017
We say this to ourselves several times in a day that it's hard to be parents in today's times. But can we ignore the fact that it's equally difficult being a kid today. Children deal with many distractions, temptations and overstimulation. They go through several pressures every moment, every day- from school work to extra-curricular activities, from peer pressure to social media pressure!
While as parents we try to engage and entertain them with various activities, in reality we are just putting those pressures and tensions on the back-burner. How about giving our kids an opportunity to understand their emotional, mental and physical strength at the same time? How about letting them experience play and focus without worrying about being wrong?
Importance and benefits of yoga have been recognized globally now, but you wouldn't possibly know that Yoga helps kids not only remain fit but also grow up as being more creative & disciplined!
Benefits of Yoga for Kids
And not to forget, it's the best alternative to tune into from constant attachment to electronic devices.
Yoga (meaning union or yoke) is the practice of accessing and integrating all aspects of our true nature -- body, mind, and spirit -- in the pursuit of inner harmony. Now, if you are thinking that it's a bit too heavy for a 4 or 5 year old child to understand, pause and read on!
Yoga is the most fuss-free activity that you can imbibe in kids- no props, no equipment, no specific venue or location- children can indulge in a kid-friendly yoga poses anywhere, anytime!
Yoga Poses for Children
Some of the asanas which can be practiced easily at home are given below. Most of them are named after the animals and the kids can imagine themselves like them and can exercise while having fun.
Before practicing these poses make sure that children wear loose clothes to make them feel comfortable.
1. The Cat- Cow Pose (Bidalasana)
If your child is a fan of animals, they’re sure to love this pose. The Cat Cow Pose stretches and strengthens the back and core, and can help improve posture.
Come to an all-fours position with knees hip-width distance apart and fingers spread out. Inhale for cow, lifting your gaze and dipping the belly. Exhale for cat, tuck your chin to your chest and allow the back to arch. Repeat a few times with correct breathing and maybe add in some playful moos and meows for fun.
Benefits
2. The Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
It is so simple yet so powerful!
Ask your kid to stand on the ground and place their feet firmly and balance. Let your kid stand straight and maintain an erect posture. At the same time, your kid has to also try and relax their shoulders, back and body overall. Make sure that your kid also balances the body weight equally on both the feet.
Benefits-
3. The Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)
This is such a lovely asana and can be done while playing with your baby.
Let the child lie down on the floor on their back and hug their knees into the chest with the chin tucked in. Once they bring in their knees near their belly, ask them to hold the outside of their feet with both hands. Now ask your kid to open up their knees in such a wide that it gets as wide as they can do comfortably. The knees have to ideally be as wide as their torso. Now your kid has to press the feet into the hands. Make sure that while your kid is doing this particular pose, they keep the tailbone touching on the ground and do not move high.
Benefits-
4. The Rag Doll Pose (Uttanasana)
The rag doll pose will concentrate mostly on your kid’s hamstring. Most kids have weak hamstrings that are mostly too tight and are not that flexible. The more your kid will practice the rag doll pose the more they will be able to make their hamstring flexible.
For the rag doll pose, ask your kid to stand straight on the ground and balance the body weight properly on both the feet Once your kid is comfortable, ask them to slowly bend forward. While doing so, your kid can also bend their knees. Bring the head downwards towards the knees. Once your kid is comfortable, ask them to hold their feet with both their hands and maintain balance.
Benefits-
5. Lion Pose (Simhasana)
Well, we all know the amount of energy kids have. The Lion Pose works great for channelizing this energy the right way. This Asana is great for calming the mind, relieving fatigue and stress, removing unnecessary heat. It’s also a lot of fun with kids!
For this, let the child kneel down and sit back on heels. Place open hands & palms on knees. Take a deep breath while inhaling through the nose. Then let the child widen their eyes, open the mouth with tongue stretched out and 'ROAR'!
Benefits-
As a Parent, it is imperative to lead by example. Before introducing your child to Yoga, show several pictures or videos to arouse your child's interest and curiosity. Show your child the pose and do it with them. Make it a fun session with them, start with just few minutes every day, get colorful yoga mats, you can even match your yoga outfits to make it interesting for them. Let your child do as much as he can, do not push it too much.
Go Mommy!
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