Yoga as child's play
Although I haven’t had children of my own yet, I have been caring for children, literally since I was a child myself! (Yes that is another story!) The point is, I understand completely how all consuming, exhausting beyond belief, yet utterly joyful, caring for young children can be. So if you are a parent trying to fit your yoga practice around raising your little one(s), I hope this page will give you a little inspiration and encouragement to persevere! Perhaps even act as a touchstone, a reminder to enjoy the wonders of parenthood even more consciously. Childhood is precious and fleeting.
May you experience greater enjoyment of this special time with your child using breath and awareness – which is at the heart of any Yoga practice no matter how much (or little) time you can devote to it. Even five minutes a day of focusing on the breath in Savasana for example, will make a difference.
May you experience greater enjoyment of this special time with your child using breath and awareness – which is at the heart of any Yoga practice no matter how much (or little) time you can devote to it. Even five minutes a day of focusing on the breath in Savasana for example, will make a difference.
Don't give yourself a hard time if regular practice slips
During the first few months of your child’s life, one of the most important aspects of maintaining sanity will be squeezing in adequate rest. You might want to try the guided relaxation (found in the Meditation Room) for those spare moments – this is also helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed and perhaps too 'wired' to snooze along with baby during a precious naptime.
Yoga can help when you're overwhelmed
All parents and carers (not just those of young ones) have moments of feeling overwhelmed – I recently met with a friend who confided that she had felt a sense of relief as her son recently celebrated his 21st birthday. Yet it took her by surprise to find that her role in his life has simply evolved - the demands of motherhood still present. “It never ends...” she said, in smiling amazement. Perhaps that seems obvious but I get the feeling that this is one of those realisations that only becomes truly apparent through experience.
As an observer to the joys parenthood, the resourcefulness of mothers and fathers never ceases to amaze. Those of us who are not parents can equally enjoy the wonderful experiences in roles such as carer and Godparent. This page is for all of us!
As an observer to the joys parenthood, the resourcefulness of mothers and fathers never ceases to amaze. Those of us who are not parents can equally enjoy the wonderful experiences in roles such as carer and Godparent. This page is for all of us!
Make Yoga fun and engaging for pre-schoolers.
Elmo and Ben love Yoga!
For young children, there is nothing like simply setting the example of enjoying your practice in front of them at an appropriate time of day. (Preferably not when they are tired, cranky, or hungry). This approach has two potential benefits, it might help make ‘Yoga time’ a natural and organic addition to the day rather than yet another task, crammed on the “to do” list. Secondly, children are more likely to be intrigued and want to join in if it is a natural part of the day's routine.
You could try clearing some space in the living room and putting on one of their favourite sing-along tapes! Just - not too loud. Try performing your sun salutations to Barney, or whatever it is they love! If nothing else it will make you laugh. And the more relaxed you are, the more likely your little one will be encouraged to join in.
Of course, if your child has a regular nap time this might also be an ideal time to fit in some simple postures, breathing exercises or restorative poses (head to the Meditation Room for ideas).
Try using props – such as a favourite toy. “Can Elmo do downward dog?”
You could try clearing some space in the living room and putting on one of their favourite sing-along tapes! Just - not too loud. Try performing your sun salutations to Barney, or whatever it is they love! If nothing else it will make you laugh. And the more relaxed you are, the more likely your little one will be encouraged to join in.
Of course, if your child has a regular nap time this might also be an ideal time to fit in some simple postures, breathing exercises or restorative poses (head to the Meditation Room for ideas).
Try using props – such as a favourite toy. “Can Elmo do downward dog?”
Take Yoga practice outside if you can
Another simple trick (weather permitting of course!) is taking Yoga practice with your child outdoors! Yoga outside is a joy - in the right environment. Of course be sure to take care to protect yourself and your child from the elements (sun cream, hat, or a sweater for example). Bring along a few snacks and a pocket book – (pop-up ones are good for sudden downpours! And I don’t mean rain - but tears!) If your little one gets bored half way through they may be quite content to wait and watch you, if occupied with some watermelon, grapes, rice cakes or yogurt to munch on! Even on cooler days you can still both wrap up warm and find a sheltered spot in the garden or a clean and safe area of a local park, beach or green space to enjoy a few postures. If it is a public place, just be sure that the footfall in that area is as low as possible. There’s no harm in the odd harmless observer - you might start a healthy local trend! But you will want to be confident that the space is clear of any dog mess, away from any traffic and preferably as quiet and sheltered from the wind and excess sun exposure as possible.
Keep things fun but save advanced posture practice for alone time
Scorpion pose or Vrschikasana
“Let’s see how long Daddy can hold this posture?” They’ll find it irresistible to count out loud and laugh at you, when it’s only up to five! And they’ll likely want to try and better whatever you can do too. A word of caution here though – sometimes children get very discouraged when they find that they cannot do everything that your adult body can. Never ever push a young body. As I’m sure you can appreciate, children’s bodies are very different to adults. Ligaments, bones and muscles are in an almost constant state of evolution, renewal and growth throughout childhood. It is therefore suggested; once they get to an age where they could potentially hurt themselves trying to mimic what they’ve seen you do - limit your postures to the simple, whilst practicing in front of them. Conversely however, with an older and capable child (e.g. over 10 years old) who is easily bored you can offer slight variations on postures that you both already know very well. But be super careful. If in doubt - leave it out!
Yoga, not gymnastics
Discourage any form of competitiveness because that is not what Yoga is about. If possible, Try and speak quietly and softly to encourage the understanding that Yoga asana practice can be a valuable time for inward reflection and developing concentration. This may be an invaluable gift you can give to your child as they mature and enter the realm of exams and SAT’s (which some educational systems are introducing earlier and earlier). At the same time however, pay attention to the behaviour your child displays during Yoga practice together – you might for example discover that you have a budding gymnast or sportsman on your hands (where appropriate competitiveness can be channelled)!
Sweetness and light are a child's delight
In summary, here are some key points we want to bear in mind when practicing Yoga with children. Make sure it is...
*SAFE
* FUN & ENGAGING – DONT BE AFRAID TO USE YOUR IMAGINATION, TAP INTO WHAT YOUR CHILD LIKES AND INTERGRATE THIS.
And as a final safety reminder...
* PLEASE DON’T PUSH YOUR CHILD OR GO BEYOND YOUR OWN NATURAL LIMITS AS A GUIDE.
If you have a few friends in a similar position to you; trying to balance Yoga asana practice with children, ask a qualified Yoga teacher whether they would consider running small group classes in your area. I'd be happy to receive such a request from those in the East Devon area.
*SAFE
* FUN & ENGAGING – DONT BE AFRAID TO USE YOUR IMAGINATION, TAP INTO WHAT YOUR CHILD LIKES AND INTERGRATE THIS.
And as a final safety reminder...
* PLEASE DON’T PUSH YOUR CHILD OR GO BEYOND YOUR OWN NATURAL LIMITS AS A GUIDE.
If you have a few friends in a similar position to you; trying to balance Yoga asana practice with children, ask a qualified Yoga teacher whether they would consider running small group classes in your area. I'd be happy to receive such a request from those in the East Devon area.
