Yin Yoga Helps Kids Relax & Connect
Most children’s yoga classes are of the yang variety: energetic, strong, mobile. This reflects kids natural tendencies toward movement, activity and spontaneity. However, kids sometimes become overwhelmed, anxious, fearful, overtired and sad. At our home this is often the case in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays. There is so much going on with concerts, parties, shopping, exams, get-togethers with friends and family, etc. that my kids (and I) simply need some down time.
The Winter Solstice provides a lovely opportunity to delve into a child friendly yin practice. This is a wonderful way to provide space and time for purposeful relaxation. Yin yoga also assists in turning inward and helps children connect with their intuition and personal wisdom, finding peace in a quieter, slower yoga practice.
Yin Yoga Poses for Kids
- Child’s Pose – balasana
- Rag Doll Pose
- Wide Angle Forward Fold - upavishta konasana
- Happy Baby Pose – ananda balasana
- Sphinx Pose
- Legs up the Wall Pose - viparita karani
- Sleeping Swan (aka Reclined Pigeon)
- Reclined Twists
- Reclined Cobbler’s Pose – supta baddha konasana
- Savasana with Eye Pillow & a blanket
- Supported Savasana – legs on a chair or a bolster under the knees
Kids Yin Yoga Best Practices
- Allow the children to set the pace holding poses for as long as children allow, once they start to fidget, move along
- Encourage longer holds with a timer or counting breaths
- Approach with curiosity and wonder
- Speak slowly, calmly – children will take their energy cues from you
- Pretend you are practicing in deep water, every movement is slow and purposeful
- Allow space for feelings of sadness, fear, anger
- Most important – Breathe
