online yoga forum

I have kids and wanted to know if a) kids can do yoga b) what type is best for them if they can.

I'm new to yoga but have found it has helped me reduce my stress, and I was wondering if this would work for younger people as well?

Hello

Yoga for children is fantastic. It allows them to improve their concentration as well as keep their natural flexibility. Check out the Yogabugs website YogaBugs

So how does this work?

I'm sure my two would love it but it must be hard to keep their concentration (they are 7 and 10). Do you do the same general class that adults have or do something different to keep them entertained.

A good friend of mine teaches a kids yoga class - it sounds great. She makes them get into all the animal poses (like lion, dog and cat) and they love it. It's apparently quite hard to teach kids as they have no concentration and you have to keep making it fun or they'll just stop and lie down and not want to do anything. (I feel like doing that myself some times!!!)

I'm new to yoga too and think yoga for kids is an excellent idea. However, I don't want to just sign them up for a class and thats that when the class is over. I prefer to do the yoga with them and be an integral part of their experience; make yoga maybe into an activity that we can share together for a lifetime if they so choose.

We got a VHS, "Yoga Kids" by Giam Productions, which has kids showing how to perform the various poses. We borrowed a copy from our local library so many times that we eventually bought our own copy. I do the poses right along with them. Then, we make up games that re-enforces the learning of these poses. One game they love is "Teacher Teacher", basically a form of Simon Says. My children were 4 and 6 when we started this. Now, my son, who is five, asks ME not to forget that we have yoga to do. We first learned some basic poses, and with repetition, moved on to simple, short workouts for beginners. He performs those workouts right alongside of me. My older one needs more prompting, but I have not given up on her yet.

kIDS YOGA IS VERY DYNAMIC. I HAVE FOUND THEY LOVE RELAXATION AND MEDITATION. BUT IT DEPENDS ON THE GROUPS ENERGY.
MY KIDS LOVE THE CHANTING!!

Your 'Teacher Teacher' game sounds good - my kids would love that. Are there any other games that you do with them that I could try? My kids are a bit younger than yours...thanks