Downward dog is one my favorite poses to practice with my daughter - she’s been doing it herself since before she could even walk! She’s definitely much cuter than I am when I practice it, although I probably could hold it longer than she does.
One thing I love about downward dog in general is that it is very adaptable. You can bend your knees if your legs or back are feeling tight; you can add small movements such as lifting and lowering your heels alternately or wiggling your hips side-to-side; you can turn your head right and left to release your neck. You can also do a short sequence which includes cat/cow and downward dog. It’s a great warm up for a longer session and also can be used as a quick stand-alone yoga moment when you want a break from something else.
Tip: Don’t forget to spread your fingers and press your palms into the ground. This engages the muscles of your forearm more evenly and takes pressure off your shoulders and wrists, especially if you press more into your fingers than the heels of your hands.