Mini Yogi

Yoga studios are beginning to open their doors to embrace an unusual client.  Forget silent meditation, these new class trends are rambunctious, fun and usually full of laughs.  Yoga for children is sweeping the states, and probably already exists in your home town.  Although research on the benefits of yoga for kids is still limited, the exciting, exploratory and fun concept has babies, toddlers, older children and their parents giggling and loving their time spent together.

Some reports suggest that yoga can calm children, reduce obesity, enhance concentration and help children manage certain health conditions, such as headaches and irritable bowel syndrome.  It may even benefit children who have various mental and physical disabilities.  Although more studies are needed to confirm the positive health effects of yoga for kids, the channeling of energy is undeniable and the bond formed between parent and child is strong.

Anna Starikov, RYT, Certified Itsy Bitsy Yoga Facilitator of Blossoming Yogis in Kirkland, WA says, “Children’s yoga consists of poses that you would practice in any adult class, but arranged in a sequence that is fun and engaging for the child.”  She says the main difference is they may not use mats, the pace of the class is different to keep them engaged and the class may include music, singing and games.

Anna encourages MOMs to look into the benefits yoga can have on their house, “A MOM will have the opportunity to learn new ways to bond and sooth their babies and toddlers as well as offer techniques for stopping a potential tantrum in its tracks!”

Participating in a yoga class will also help introduce MOMs to other like-minded WoMOMs.  Anna says it’s a great opportunity to “learn about their child’s emerging personalities and learning styles.  Many parents and kids from my classes forge strong friendships that last.”

If you are interested in learning more about Itsy Bitsy Yoga for children and its possible benefits, you can visit Anna’s Blossoming Yogis website, here.