Helping kids help themselves by using yoga

Children experience lots of anxiety in this crazy, modern world. Yoga helps them by providing healthy strategies for handling stress. It is an excellent tool for helping them control anger. They learn to calm down and go inward before reacting outwardly to a situation.

by Jennifer Schaecher — 

There has been lots of talk lately about yoga and its myriad benefits. Strength, flexibility, balance, relaxation and energy — you can experience all of them through the practice of yoga. But, you can get even more out of it if you invite the kids to participate, too. A few schools have even begun offering yoga classes, and teachers have noticed huge differences in as little as three days after students begin participating in the programs.

Children experience lots of anxiety in this crazy, modern world. Yoga helps them by providing healthy strategies for handling stress. It is an excellent tool for helping them control anger. They learn to calm down and go inward before reacting outwardly to a situation.

Yoga can help kids and adults alike with common health problems. Asthma is a great example. The breathing techniques learned in yoga can aid in building awareness of the body and gaining more control over it.

Other benefits seen by elementary school teachers are happier, healthier kids who have more fun, more confidence and a stronger sense of identity. It increases focus and concentration, helping children become better students. Studies have even shown that yoga increases test scores.

Children need and cherish the sense of touch and warmth. Sometimes we can forget that a few strokes of the hand can soothe, secure and send love to a child. Yoga-practicing parents who involve their sons and daughters have found a way to connect with their children and build deeper communication.

Constantly communicating like this can build emotional trust. When we do not know what to say, we can say nothing yet still speak volumes through the power of touch.

Jennifer Schaecher, owner of Peaceful Planet Pilates & Yoga, offers private training in homes and offices, as well as corporate/group classes. [email protected] or 623-341-6935.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 24, Number 5, October/November 2005.