Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Nadine Meybauer

Playful children's yoga for the little ones: An oasis of calm in the hectic everyday life

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 children – does it really work?

In a modern world, where the daily life of children is often as scheduled as that of adults, the need for a balance grows. 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 comparison-oriented sports. Even the youngest are under stress and often have little time for free play or moments of calm. The consequences can be overactivity, concentration weakness, and a 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 go through life 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 astonishing 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...

... become braver
... develop a mobile and healthy body
... improve their concentration and attention
... relax more easily and sleep better
... cope with stress more easily
... learn to know and understand their body

Introducing children's yoga playfully: This is how it succeeds

From what age can you start children's yoga?

Children's yoga can already be playfully practiced with toddlers from 1 year old. It is especially fun when parents or other relatives join in. This way, the time together becomes a great experience for young and old!

Tips for the optimal start

Create a suitable environment:

Use a soft surface, like a play mat, and ensure comfortable clothing.

Activities for sibling children:

The younger siblings can meanwhile occupy themselves with age-appropriate toys such as a teething ring or a rattle.

Observe timing:

Pay attention to the child's daily condition. Tired or hungry children are harder
to motivate.

Embed in a story:

Children experience the 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

"Behind the tree, a big, dear bear appears."

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 infinite strength."

Exercise 3: The Butterfly

"Who is flying by? A wonderful butterfly."

Sit upright and place your feet down. Open your knees loosely outward so that the soles of your feet touch.
Hold both feet firmly and let your knees gently bounce.

"You are like a butterfly in the wind. Every butterfly is unique and wonderful."

Nadine Meybauer

As a children's yoga teacher, child and youth coach, as well as a certified systemic counselor from St. Gallen, Nadine loves creating new course content in beautiful natural locations. Her passion is to give children and their companions unforgettable experiences in nature that promote movement and inner balance.

Mehr Informationen über Nadine Meybauer findest du hier.

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