Aug 10, 20204 min read

Children and Yoga

Play is one of the most important gifts we can give our children. The act of play allows a young mind to grow, to expand, and to deepen. Every Friday, Second Bloom Yoga will provide an opportunity for kids to play using the tools of yoga and theatre to encourage expression, exploration, and love.

In this class we weave in storytelling, acting exercises, movement, and singing. I calibrate the class depending on the age of the participants who join each class. Typically, we’ve found that the age range that responds best to this class is between the ages of 3-9, but children of all ages are welcome to join to see for themselves!

What to Expect from a Yoga Class for Young Children

If you are doubtful your child will be sitting on their mat and faithfully follow along with a yoga sequence, you should know you are probably right! At this age children engage, disengage and re-engage as their brains demand. In this class it is expected that the child will alternate between moments of attention and periods of distraction. Often, what seems like distraction, is paying attention in different ways.

“He didn’t do anything in class besides roll around on his mat, but the next day he was proudly showing me tree pose!” -Nicci

During class, I encourage sharing, jumping around, telling stories, or simply taking a break and doing something else for a bit. Each child develops and learns in different ways and there is room for that. As caretakers it is our task to let go of the idea that our child should be quietly engaged and follow all instructions in a way that resembles yoga for adults.

What usually works best in these classes is for the caretaker in the room to follow the teacher and to allow the child to join in when they are interested to do so. As caretaker, please don’t feel that you are expected to force or encourage engagement or compliance from the child, let them take the initiative. In the end, you are the most interesting thing in the room and their attention is always on you in some way.

Days will differ. Some days we’ll read our favorite books, some days we’ll rest our bodies, some days we’ll dance around and sing our favorite songs. Often, a successful kids’ yoga practice looks different from what we might envision. But with a consistent practice, and room for all types of engagement, we find that children absorb much more than we realize.

Let’s help build a generation of thoughtful, expressive, loving children together!

If you have a yoga membership though Second Bloom, these classes are included. If you just want to drop in for a class, the price is $5. Click here to read about payment options.

"They had so much fun. It was perfect. We will be back again." -Erica

"Super fun!" -Roxanne

"Ms. Natalie is an amazing, patient instructor with the ability to guide people of all ages! She transformed my rambunctious toddler into a captivated and calm one after just a few fun yoga sessions! Her kids classes are full of singing and stretching and enjoyable ways to remember all the basic yoga poses— she has made yoga a cheerful and centering activity for 3 year-old Corissa, who now will often ask if we can watch “yoda wif Ms. Nata-wie”. We were so lucky to be able to attend her in-person classes before the pandemic, and her virtual classes are just as amazing! I’m so impressed by Ms. Natalie’s ability to capture a little one’s attention with her bright smile, beautiful voice, and fun personality. I highly recommend her as a yoga instructor for any class, but she makes our hearts so especially warm when we can catch her Kids Yoga classes." -Courtney

Second Bloom Yoga offers unlimited monthly yoga classes at a price you choose (this includes a free option!). Pay what you can spare. You can also choose to get a class card or pay for a single class. Check out our schedule of classes by clicking here.

Plan Your Week with Me!

I'm teaching a lot of classes this week with a few different organizations: Second Bloom Yoga, Neva Massage and Yoga Studio, The Magik Theatre, and my own Facebook page, Buster Yoga. There is literally something for everybody, everywhere, as all of these classes are online.

For me, one of the silver linings of this pandemic has been the ability to practice with my mentors and teachers who live in other areas of the country, such as Northern California, Wisconsin, New York City, and North Carolina. It has also allowed me to reconnect with former students and friends. Won't you join us?