“Movement is the song of the body.”
-Vanda Scaravelli
Kids naturally like to move, and it’s great for their bodies and minds. Sometimes when we share yoga with our kids, it won’t be as static poses; instead, we’ll be flowing through positions, or wiggling in others. Sometimes we might just move, dance, and shake it out with the goal of releasing stress, tension, emotions, and extra energy, and that’s still yoga.
It’s really the intention that makes yoga what it is. So, if you have a little one that doesn’t seem to want to ‘do yoga,’ as in the traditional poses you see in mainstream yoga classes, then don’t worry. It doesn’t mean your kid doesn’t like yoga. It just means that you’ve got an opportunity to practice yoga in a way that appeals to them!
One of my kids’ favorite things to do is get into downward dog and walk around. Try it! (Pssst - I love it too! Great for yogis of all ages). Here’s a fun, spontaneous video of my daughter doing just this:
It’s like going for a walk and doing yoga all at the same time. When you get tired, you can always nestle down into child’s pose after. If your kid is up for more and loves pretending to be animals, take a look back at this post from November. Yoga’s not only for calm, stoic practice; why not let yourself (and your little ones) be a little wild now and then? Enjoy!
Every Friday I’ll post ideas and inspiration for practicing yoga with kids and every Tuesday I’ll share a micropractice that helps busy moms (and dads and kids, and really anyone) to incorporate brief yoga practices into their day. Here’s the post to kick off this biweekly series that will last until the end of the year!