Yoga for the Young
Self-confidence is an essential life skill for children to develop, and parents can be a main source of this. A low self image can lead to many emotional issues in adulthood, including depression and anxiety. This can be avoided with the guidance of some very caring role models, and the positive interactions that these relationships impose.
Role models range from parents and teachers to doctors and sports coaches. Another great source of positive guidance that parents should take into consideration is that of a yoga instructor. Combine ancient effective poses with the counsel of a benevolent, neutral party and your child instantly has a mentor that he or she can relate to.
There are numerous benefits to enrolling your child into a yoga class for kids, and even more specifically a Hatha Yoga class. Hatha Yoga specializes in four areas which are breathing, relaxation, meditation, and posture. Each individual topic is easily understood, but that does not mean there is no challenge involved. Yoga seems to contradict the nature of a child, but when performed in a group atmosphere and seen as a beneficial life tool, children excel in yoga. Look at the idea of math, for example. Many children find this area of study difficult, with many asking “When will I use these techniques in my life?” Children and adolescents find it tedious and frustrating to learn things they feel add no value to their life (math is a fundamental tool for learning and expanding the mind, but most young people fail to see its relevance in their future), but yoga will never feel that way. Immediately your child will understand its benefits and will remain eager to continually learn from this practice. There is no competition in yoga, so children are not competing with one another which can also subconsciously harm the ego.
In the first set of yoga lessons, your child will learn self-acceptance and patience in order to practice and grow at yoga. He or she will try hard at things, only to impress his/herself. It is also understood (and discussed) that people are good at different skills. Certain children find it easy to meditate and relax their mind and body, while others may excel at holding difficult poses. Yoga instructors understand that balance and acceptance are necessary to people of all ages, and consciously praise all of their students equally. This unifies the students and class as a whole.