Children spend most of their time shunting homework and school-related extra-curricular activities. There’s little time for free play. They face stimulation; distractions; and academic and peer pressure too early in life. Yoga practice can help a child better deal with the surrounding.
Before a child opts for a yoga routine keep the following things in mind.
Child Yoga: Things to Keep in Mind
- Children, less than 10 years of age can do up to 10 seconds staying in the final stage of any asana / Yoga practice. The total time for the kid’s Yoga session should be no more than 20 minutes.
- Children are advised not to perform asana for a long duration and breathe holding practices (Kumbhaka).
- Yoga for children involves gentle Yoga stretches and movements, often mimicking animals, and incorporated with games.
- Imaginative stories about Yoga practices are the best methods of teaching Yoga to kids.
- Always demonstrate the posture, rather than explaining it. Use the same method when trying to correct their poses, during practical sessions.
- Avoid extreme forward and backward bending asanas.
- Avoid headstand and hand-standing asanas.
- Avoid overstretching or pushing too hard while practicing Yoga.
- Yogic practice should be done on an empty or light stomach.
- Children should practice Yoga under the supervision of an expert/ trained Yoga teacher with proper guidance and never alone.
- If a child complains of any discomfort while or after practicing Yoga, he/she should be given full attention and medical help, if needed.
- Never compare the children with each other. Encourage them in each and every session for discipline to sit properly.
- It’s always appreciated to teach Yoga with affection and deal with all their reactions tenderly.
- Basic principles of Yoga like Yama and Niyama should be emphasized while teaching Yoga practices to get better results.