Children are natural yogis.  Even before a child enters the world he/she learns how to maneuver her body in a way that comforts and soothes her.  As babies develop, yogic techniques can help build muscle tone, improve digestion and immunity, and facilitate sounder sleep.  As a result, neuromuscular development is strengthened, motor development is enhanced and colic and fussiness is relieved.

            As bilateral coordination develops, your baby will begin to crawl, a natural yogic activity.  Crawling encourages the simultaneous use of the right and left brain hemispheres as well as strengthening the body's skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.

            Practicing yoga with your toddler will help deepen the parent/child bond.  Toddlers who practice yoga will experience improved body-awareness and an increased attention span.  They will learn techniques to playfully relieve stress and frustration in an environment that nurtures self-esteem, creativity and positive social interaction.

            At the preschool level, children are wildly imaginative – this is a natural parallel to yoga as children become the poses that they perform.  Children at this age are still in tune with the natural wisdom of their bodies and often perform yoga poses without instruction.  Breathing practices and guided relaxation techniques help preschool children calm down, focus and sleep better.

            As the child develops he/she enters a new social realm - competition abounds and he or she begins to compare him/herself to others.  A child who has developed self-awareness through the practice of yoga can easily tune in to their own strengths and talents, helping to maintain positive self esteem and facilitate growth.  Children who practice yoga perform better in school and on standardized tests, are more successful athletes and learn positive life skills.  Yoga helps open a child's mind to the limitless possibilities than life has to offer.

            During the preteen and teenage years, yoga can become a vital tool for fostering success in all aspects of life.  A teen that practices yoga has respect for him/herself and her body and understands that yoga is a tool for self-transformation.  Teens who understand yogic philosophy can apply it to all aspects of their lives- communicating with friends and peers, redirecting angry or upsetting thoughts, relieving anxiety, building positive self-esteem, and setting and reaching goals.   Individuals who begin to practice yoga as children have bright, shinning futures to look forward to.

-Jenny Tanis
Founder and Director of Happy Elephant Yoga, LLC