How to Introduce Yoga to Children

There are many benefits to the regular and dedicated practice of Yoga. Some of these benefits range from improved strength and flexibility to a better sense of balance and concentration. All of these benefits will also help children, particularly in a school setting. There are so many children, today, who are struggling with their weight and an inability to focus on their schoolwork. As we all know, the obesity epidemic is becoming more and more serious, both in the adult and child populations. The number of children, who are being diagnosed with ADHD, is also at very high levels. Yoga is a great tool for addressing both of these issues.

Yoga curriculum in children's education is important for one primary reason. Many children around the world, particularly those affected by attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorders, have trouble concentrating in class. And since yoga actively practices focus, studies like the one performed in 2003 by researchers at California State University, Los Angeles, indicate a positive correlation between grades, behavior and yoga practice. In other words, children who practice yoga are more likely to be better behaved and to earn higher grades than their peers who do not practice yoga.

Most schools that incorporate yoga into their curriculum do so after stripping it of any religious overtones; for example, meditation time in schools becomes imagination time. Since kids generally take yoga less seriously than adults do, it turns out children can still reap the benefits of focused relaxation from a session of stretches and poses that help train the mind to concentrate.

Another,is letting go of expectation. One has to enter the yoga class with no expectations from oneself, the instructor or other participants. Too often children are motivated through competition. The need to get ahead to receive a prize, the best player to receive recognition, in yoga there is no competition. Everyone is here on his or her own accord. Yoga encourages individuality. No one can do a pose wrong. Everyone is unique in his or her own way. This is definitely a positive believe for children.

Judgment, is another. Yoga encourages compassion for all, and every living thing. Children are constantly encouraged during a class. It is playful and full of fun.

There is only peace in the present yoga moment. The tree pose, the warriors and meditation are great tools to introduce this to children. They are led to focus on their breathing and stance. They are encouraged to check in to their bodies, to asses how they are feeling.

When introducing Yoga to children, another important factor is a proper diet. The less fatty and processed foods they eat, the better their bodies will feel. The fewer toxins they are introducing to their bodies. Thus body consciousness is encouraged. Fresh fruit and vegetables are to be eaten.

Even though Yoga classes are wonderful, they are not always accessible to many families. Classes can be costly and also, not listed in many neighborhoods. There are ways to get around this. The local libraries offer books and DVDs on Yoga practice to kids, for free! The local newspaper may have free class postings. Yoga can be practiced anywhere! On the beach, in the backyard, on a patch of grass, on a hilltop celebrating the sun, doing the sun dance. In the quiet of your bedroom in the early hours of the morning, right before the start of your day, is a great way to get motivated for school! Yoga in the living room with a Yoga DVD can be just as effective.