Yoga for Kids

It is very important to introduce yoga for kids. In India, yoga was a significant part of the curriculum in Gurukuls in earlier times. It is a misfortune that it is minimally practised in the country of its origin. However, there is a reawakening of interest now due to the work of devoted individuals and schools.

Benefits of Yoga for Kids

Yoga is not just for adults, the sick and the old people. Introducing yoga for kids has various benefits. It is a great way to inculcate in children a healthy regimen in life. Yoga has a very beneficial effect on the concentration capabilities of children and acts as a stress-reliever.

Many parents want their children to just focus on academic work. They do not pay attention to the physical health and fitness of children when they are young as they think they are active and alert. This may be true in a good number of cases. But its sustainability is a big question due to the pressures of academic learning. The importance of physical and mental well-being in the development of well-rounded individuals is slowly being appreciated more.

Yogasans are unique postures or exercises that involve stretching and bending parts of the body. It is a very gentle form of exercise and there is little risk for any hurt or injury for the child.However, the postures are also highly specific, focussed and precise. Hence, yoga has to be practised methodically under a trained supervisor.

At what age can yoga be started and how much?

• From age five, yoga can begin.
• A 15 to 20 minute schedule is sufficient to start with.
• Increase the duration gradually to half an hour or more especially for nine year olds.
• Anyone can do yoga irrespective of age, sex and size.
• Very suitable for hyperactive children and those excited easily.

Children have a natural affinity to yoga due to their bodies' extreme flexibility and their natural fearlessness towards challenges in terms of physical exercises.

If young children enter into the rich yagna of yogasana, it can no doubt help them to establish the body, mind and spirit connection. You should also understand that its total impact will be realised in a gradual manner. Every child's body and mind respond to yoga at its own pace. If yoga is not taught in your kids' school, do make arrangements to teach yoga at home. Infact, it serves as yet another opportunity to bond with your child. To kindle the child's interest and make it a joyful session, get his friends or children in the neighbourhood to join for yoga sessions.

Some points to ponder about yoga are:

• What are the innumerable benefits of yoga?
• Is yoga a powerful tool for health and happiness in life?
• Doesn't yoga address the whole child?
• Are you not enhancing human potential through yoga?

Parents! Firmly believe that you are doing the very best and right thing by teaching yoga for children.

KidandParent went out and spoke to a few children on the difference yoga has made in their lifestyle -

Krishna (8 years old) expressed:

I was miserable to go anywhere as my skin was highly dry, rough and scaly. I had constipation problem too. Yoga exercises helped me to develop glowing skin and good muscle tone. All my problems were over within three months. I felt free and comfortable to join my friends and to enjoy social relationships. Yoga is like magic.

Rajesh (7 years old) said:

I was very much stressed prior to my experiences with yoga exercises as my grades were slipping fast and my parents were worked up and worried about me. My mum infact displayed anxiety syndrome. After joining yoga classes, I came to know about 'myself' - an awakening into my responsibilities. My concentration improved pretty much and now I look forward to do academic work. Now I am a rank holder in a prestigious school and feel good about myself.