Nine Things You Should Know About Yoga for Children

Here are some guidelines and realistic expectations for parents, who are considering Yoga for their children. For your child, Yoga is much more than a kid's fitness class. Just like adults - kids need time to learn to deal with life's daily pressures, too.

Make sure your child starts with easy postures, and be patient with your child's progress. Some beginner children can often be more flexible than advanced adult Yoga practitioners, but they don't know their own limitations.

Discover your child's real passions. When your child wants to go to Yoga class, it is much better than what you want for your child. This is not to say that you should avoid guidance. However, it is not advisable to push a child into a Yoga class, if your child doesn't enjoy it - no matter how popular Yoga may be. All children are different, and what is good for one of your children, may not agree with another.

Encourage your child to see the deeper benefits of Yoga: Learning to live within the moment, and appreciating the present situation, instead of focusing on desires, these are built-in mental assets of Yoga practice. Enhanced concentration skills are another benefit that will result in improved academic performance.

Look for a qualified Yoga instructor, who has experience in teaching children. Make sure the child's Yoga instructor has adequate experience.

Watch your child practice, with his or her, Yoga teacher, and make sure you are comfortable with the environment, policies, and safety guidelines. Rules and discipline policies are usually in place so that each child can learn Yoga and get the most out of their experience.

For your child's safety at home: Parents who are not familiar with Yoga, should not let their "beginner Yoga children" practice anything beyond beginner techniques, without a competent Yoga instructor's approval. Once your child's Yoga instructor gives approval of home practice, you are fine. This one safety factor should encourage parents to learn Yoga, practice with their children, and live a healthy life.

A smaller kid's Yoga class is actually better than a larger one. This insures that your child's Yoga instructor can pay close attention to each student during practice session.

Price should not be the top factor in choosing your child's Yoga teacher. Would you choose the cheapest dentist, clothes, or car? Very often, "you get what you pay for."

Lastly, with steady practice, you should expect to see your child gradually gain self-esteem, stress management tools, self discipline, enhanced academic performance, and improved athletic skills.

Paul Jerard, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Yoga For a Beginner

Yoga for a beginner is an exciting time when you... Read More

Yoga Clothes for Comfort, Functionality ? and Lets Not Leave Out Fun!

Yoga clothes should be comfortable and functional. They should allow... Read More

How to Find the Right Yoga Class For You

There are many types of yoga, some with more emphasis... Read More

The Mystery of Enlightenment

Initially, enlightenment is living in the present moment and accepting... Read More

The Benefit of Yoga

The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual... Read More

Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals ? Part 2

At this point, let's break down the major components of... Read More

Yoga in the Office

Spending eight or more hours a day in an office... Read More

Yoga and Christianity a Conflict?

Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very few things... Read More

Yoga for Every BODY

We all want to feel loved, open, free and peaceful.... Read More

How to Use Yoga DVDs and Videos to Round Out Your Practice

I absolutely love using yoga DVDs and yoga videos during... Read More

Yoga for Relaxation

Discover the true meaning of yoga?In taking any modern yoga... Read More

Yoga Position ? What Does Each Type Do?

I often wondered what the value of each type of... Read More

Confessions of a Yoga Teacher

The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to... Read More

Nine Things You Should Know About Yoga for Children

Here are some guidelines and realistic expectations for parents, who... Read More

Muscle Fitness ? Can Yoga Make You Stronger?

Many people wonder if yoga can improve their muscle fitness.... Read More

Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals ? Part 1

Time is valuable and there are a number of successful... Read More

Child Yoga ? What is All the Fun About?

Many adults have taken up yoga, but yoga has not... Read More

The History of Pilates

In order to understand the basics of Pilates and why... Read More

Yoga and Low Carb Diets

Yoga is an ancient system of movement designed to generate... Read More

This is Not Your Grandma?s Rocking Chair

Senior Yoga / Chair YogaIs it possible that grandparents are... Read More

Understanding the Different Types of Yoga

Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in... Read More

The History of Yoga

The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition.... Read More

Yoga Instruction - How to Find the Right Yoga Teacher for You

In order to find a quality yoga instructor, you need... Read More

Christian Yoga?

There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue... Read More

Total Concentration(samadhi) of Mind

A true Yogi(practitioner) is one who has acquired self-knowledge and... Read More

A World of Infinite Opportunities

Many people feel that there is a limited amount of... Read More

Yoga Your Way To A Happy Vacation

Yoga Your Way To A Happy VacationThere have been many... Read More

Eating Disorders And The Use Of Yoga In Prevention And Treatment

It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such... Read More

Yoga for PMS

Most women experience PMS symptoms at different points of their... Read More

Eating Wisely and Weight Loss

Please bear in mind that I am not a dietician,... Read More

Are You Willing To Follow Eight Yoga Exercises For the Lower Back?

EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEFMany people believe that rest is best... Read More

Yoga - The Solution for Insomnia

At one time, or another, all of us have experienced... Read More

Can a Yoga Prop Help Prop Up Your Practice?

Some people may wonder if using a yoga prop can... Read More