4 Reasons to Teach Children Yoga

Our children are growing up in a world that’s moving quickly. Like adults, children experience many stresses in their lives. Educational pressures, extra-curricular activities and technology tend to dominate children’s schedules.

Bambini Learning Group saw this emerging childhood issue and decided to take action by offering weekly in-centre yoga lessons to the children enrolled in their programs.

But why yoga? Here are four fabulous reasons why it’s important to teach yoga.

YOGA IS A GREAT FORM OF EXERCISE

The poses promote balance and flexibility of muscles. Yoga also builds core strength which contributes to better posture. Moreover, proper body alignment helps to build strong, healthy bones and muscles. The practice of yoga is low impact; the focus primarily involves stacking bones properly in the postures while holding stretches over a short period of time.

The goal of the weekly in-house yoga classes at Bambini, is that the children will remember the lessons, and enjoy yoga so much, that they will continue their practice in the comfort of their own home.

YOGA TEACHES MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is the act of being aware and present in the moment. With our children’s hectic schedules and demands, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done.

By teaching children yoga, they learn the habit of being completely submerged in the present moment. Mindfulness is practiced when children:

listen to the tones of a singing bowl.

are encouraged to hold a pose.

are led through a guided meditation.

are taught to allow feelings to surface without judgment.

This practice of mindfulness is a key to managing the stresses of the busy world in which they live.

YOGA INSPIRES PEACE & REST

Yoga is one of the few exercises that inspires peacefulness and encourages rest. From the simple act of closing one’s eyes, to learning how to breathe correctly, children are given the opportunity to self- reflect. This skill of self-reflection helps children to navigate stress and promotes calmer responses to challenges that may arise in their daily lives.

By learning how to find peace, children also learn how to self-soothe and calm their bodies, which can lead to a more restful night’s sleep.

YOGA TEACHES SELF-CONFIDENCE

Jason Crandell once said: “Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are.”

Children are often bombarded with messages, both directly and indirectly, about who they should be. They need to feel important, cherished and loved. Yet our society is full of confusing messages about who they “should” be. Unfortunately, these messages rarely fit with who they really are.

Yoga gives children the chance to connect with themselves, to practice self-reflection, to gain a confidence in who they are, and a security in knowing that they are beautifully unique human beings.

As you can see, there are numerous benefits to teaching children yoga. Bambini is already seeing the positive effects on the children in their programs. Weekly yoga classes are an opportunity to strengthen, inspire and encourage young children to care for their whole being. It’s a meaningful component of Bambini and one that sets them apart from other child care programs.

Bambini Learning Group is a Reggio-inspired, holistic child care program located in Edmonton, Alberta. Their vision is to inspire families to live healthier, more meaningful lives. Through innovative, holistic, and supportive resources, Bambini is helping children live the authentic childhood they deserve. New locations coming soon! Contact Bambini for more information about their unique, holistic child care program at [email protected], or book a tour to see Bambini for yourself!