Yoga For Children

NORTHERN KENTUCKY DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT Rebekah Duchette-Susan Guthier Child Care Health Consultants Thanks to: Mary Beth Clements RN Jefferson Co. Health Dept.

What is yoga? * An ancient art and science * System of conscious breathing, movement * The word yoga means union * Postures require mental, physical energy * Brings awareness to body, mind, spirit

Yoga is a way of ethical living that stands for nonviolence, truthfulness, sharing, good health, self respect and respect for others

Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga on which most modern yoga is based Ha means sun Tha means moon Symbolizing the balancing and joining of opposites

What yoga is not.... * Is not demonstration of ultra flexibility * Is not for just one group of people * Is not a religion * Is not new

How did yoga start? * Began in India thousands of years ago * Observed and imitated nature * Invented poses to copy nature * Results: positive energy and good health

Yoga Facts Adjustable for anyone, work at own pace Helps “focus on the moment” Vigorous yet calming Develops strength and flexibility Tones muscles, restores balance Quiets mind, promotes inner peace

Yoga Facts cont. Body moves in unique way all internal organs and glands get pressed, massaged or relaxed in all kinds of ways Fine tunes nervous system teaches body to better co-ordinate all its parts Enhances gross motor skills

Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga for Children 1. Mantra (Yoga sounds): Use of vibration and vocalization is calming and helps to focus attention. Encourages development of language and the physical ability to speak. Helps establish eye contact and interactions.

Benefits cont. 2. Breath awareness: Deep breathing has a calming effect. Children are able to learn to use their breath to self-calm. Practicing breathing encourages the development of breath support for speech and postural stability.

Benefits cont. 3.Postures and exercises: Help with all developmental aspects of gross motor skills including general body awareness and position in space.

Benefits cont. 4. Deep relaxation: Even a few brief moments of quiet stillness can have beneficial effects for children who rarely stop moving. Use visualization techniques.

Benefits cont. 5. Meditation (Quiet/alert time): Improves attention span, the ability to sit still and concentrate. Helps remove anxiety and frees the mind from clutter so that it is more available for learning new things. Using yoga songs and affirmations are a good way to start, for example: “I am happy, I am strong.”

WHY YOGA FOR KIDS Better concentration, attention span Promotes flexibility, strength, confidence Teaches self control, body awareness Promotes relaxation, sounder sleep Increases stability and balance

Why Yoga for Kids cont. Helps children manage stress Great for self esteem

Bending and stretching poses: Help move, stimulate digestive system Expand lung capacity, heart strength Massage the internal organs Strengthen joints, ligaments Promote a healthy spine

Yoga helps kids find the path that leads to kindness, love, empathy and service rather than selfishness, greed, hate and violence.

Yoga With Kids = Fun and Play

Yoga with Babies Interact with parents Bicycling legs Moving arms Singing 5-15 minutes

Toddlers and Threes I can do it myself! Be pretend animals Simple stretches Yoga exercises 5 to 10 minutes Relaxation 30 to 60 seconds

Preschoolers (4-6) Imaginations run wild Give bits of info on yoga Can sit and inward focus briefly Yoga exercises minutes Relaxation 1 to 2 minutes

How to Start Remember: Yoga is non-competitive Do prior to eating Provide enough space Use carpet or mat Breathe: More later Poses done gently Always finish with relaxation

O.K… Breathe..... Use correct posture Breath in, infuse with oxygen Breath out, expel stale air In through nose to filter air Can be energizing or calming

Performing postures Stimulate specific areas of body Affects the brain Mind and body respond Tension release Result is a greater feeling of relaxation, wholeness, and inner strength.

Finally: Relax Allows body to absorb benefits of yoga Acts as balance for movement Listen to inner self Time to quiet our bodies

Relaxation Dimly lit room Soft music Visualization No distractions Lie on your back, eyes closed, legs apart, arms slightly away from body, palms open.

Yoga for Children Dog pose Tree pose Child pose Lion pose Snake pose Butterfly pose Turtle pose Bridge of Diamonds

Yoga for Children Shake-Like-Jell-O pose Volcano pose Triangle pose Warrior pose Mountain pose Bunny Breathing Flamingo pose Reach for the sun

THANK YOU Your Healthy Start Consultants Rebekah-Susan