Nadine Meybauer
She is a trained children's yoga teacher, child and youth coach, as well as a certified systemic coach and consultant (St. Gallen).
Yoga for Kids – Does It Really Work?
In a modern world where children's daily lives are often as scheduled as those of adults, the need for balance is growing. Children's yoga offers children the opportunity to relax, feel themselves, and move playfully. In the mornings, children have to "function" at school or kindergarten, and in the afternoons many are active in competitive sports. Even the youngest are under stress and often have little time for free play or moments of calm. The consequences can be overactivity, lack of concentration, and reduced body awareness.
Why is children's yoga so valuable?
Our experiences in childhood shape us and have a decisive influence on how happy and successful we are as adults. Children's yoga helps children develop mindfulness for themselves and promotes relaxation.
The Benefits of Children's Yoga
Children's yoga already shows remarkable results in the little ones when the exercises are designed playfully and adapted to the natural urge to move of the children. It has a positive effect on the body and mental development and creates valuable moments of relaxation.
Yoga kids...
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... are becoming bolder
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... develop a mobile and healthy body
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... improve their concentration and attention
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... relax more easily and sleep better
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... handle stress more easily
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... get to know and understand their body
Introducing Kids Yoga Playfully: How to Succeed
At what age can children start yoga?
Children's yoga can be playfully introduced to toddlers from 1 year old. It is especially fun when parents or other family members join in. This way, the time spent together becomes a wonderful experience for both young and old!
Tips for the optimal start
Create a suitable environment:
Use a soft surface, such as a Play Mat, and ensure comfortable Clothing Line.
Activities for siblings:
The younger siblings can meanwhile occupy themselves with age-appropriate toys such as a teething ring or a rattle.
Pay attention to timing:
Pay attention to the child's condition that day. Tired or hungry children are harder to motivate.
Embed in a story:
Children experience movements more intensely when they are embedded in an exciting but short
story.
A little trip to the forest: Yoga exercises for children
Let's go into the forest and enjoy the blue sky. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and it is a wonderful day. In a clearing, we see the first tree.
Exercise 1: The Tree
"We root ourselves like a tree"
- Stand on your left foot. Lift your right foot and place your heel on the inside of your left thigh.
- Press your palms together and bring your arms either in front of your chest or stretched above your head.
"Feel like a tree, rooted and secure.
It is easy for you to concentrate."
Exercise 2: The Bear
"A big, gentle Bear appears behind the tree."
- Bend one leg forward and keep the other stretched out.
- Stretch your arms to the side or upwards.
"You are like a big, strong Bear and have endless strength."
Exercise 3: The Butterfly
"Who is flying by? A wonderful Butterfly."
- Sit up straight and place your feet on the floor. Open your knees loosely outward so that the soles of your feet touch.
- Hold both feet firmly and let your knees gently sway.
"You are like a Butterfly in the wind. Every Butterfly is unique and wonderful."
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