How to connect with your kids through yoga
Why ‘yoga’ to connect with your kids?
Is there a better activity for both of you than something that
- promotes health,
- reduces anxiety, and
- leaves you feeling calm and rejuvenated?
These are just some of the benefits of yoga. But better yet, it does so much for a child (and parents) to disconnect from screens, and to have some one on one time together.
Ok great, but now how do you make it happen??? This has the potential to be a “Pinterst vs Reality” moment!
It really doesn’t need to be complicated. I’m going to break it down into TWO catagories “what to do” “what to have” to help make it the best possible experience.
REMEMBER—>Just ‘being’ with your kids is going to make an impact. So put out of your mind now of how it is supposed look. Keep expectations minimal and willingness to enjoy high.
What to do
- Make sure kiddos are fed so no one gets cranky!
- Make it match their personality—wheather you just talk them through the poses or do the poses with them, tell a story with the poses. For example I have 2 girls that love all things pretty, cute and shiny so I’d say things like “reach for the stars (strech arms over head) “catch one! then bring it to your heart” (bring hands to heart center. Make it fun for them.
- Remember to take deeeep breaths. I tell them “suck in all the fairy dust in the air! Now let it go!”
What to have
- Special “yoga clothes” they can be clothes they already have, but make them just for yoga
- turn on relaxing music, let them choose—but just to ensure you’re not stuck fighting against Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, give them a few options that you have pre approved 😀
- If you can, get them their own yoga mats…this makes things more fun, and it makes it more REAL for them
- have a pillow and blanket…with any luck, your yoga session might turn into a napping hour, like ours do during final shavasana.
There really aren’t many yoga mats on the market for kids.
You could always get a regular size for them and that’s fine, but I found these children’s mats at LauryanYoga that my girls just love, because it makes it their “own”
Plus they have a cute elephant design (more kid friendly) and as a bonus they are cork, so less chemicals and such in the materials, and they come with a nice grip underneath which keeps them in place better than most foam mats.
You can click HERE to browse these kid size mats, mom and me mats, and other eco friendly yoga gear. (ps currently on sale!)
Again, just keep it simple. This doesn’t have to be long. And don’t stress if you didn’t get a good yoga sesh in. This time is about YOUR KIDS and YOU connecting. So many sweet tender moments have happened for me and my girls during these 5-20 minute moments. We talk, they ask me questions, I get to learn more of what they’re passionate about, what makes them happy. I get to check in with them emotionally. It can be so great.
Namaste yogi mamas!
xo
***Thank you to LauryanYoga for sponsoring this post!