Yoga for Youth ... Yoga for Children ... Yoga for Kids

"The elastic heart of youth cannot be compressed into one constrained shape long at a time."  - Mark Twain - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The best way to keep young is to remain mindful of your youth. The best way to keep youth mindful is to share yoga with them.

The next few pages are intended to give you some ideas how to share yoga with your kids. I think the best way to get your kid started is to increase your home practice with them.  Buy them their own mat, roll it out next to yours and invite them to join you each time you practice. Yoga provides a great opportunity for parents and children to connect and bond on a energetic (non verbal, yet intimate) level. Your yoga practice with them will also model self respect and self love, two very important qualities for happy and healthy beings.

Beside the physical benefits of yoga ... it can help improve a child’s ability to focus, concentrate, listen. It enhances their self-confidence and is a gentle introduction to self-discipline. Yoga, when practiced regularly, helps children growth in new and positive directions. As children moo and meow enthusiastically while flexing their spines in cat and cow pose, all that observe just can't help but regain an appreciation for the enjoyment that comes from a playful yoga practice. Children can be our greatest gurus.