Yoga for families

Bringing families through yoga

Let me start by saying that getting kids to sit still for traditional yoga is a lost cause in most cases! (I learned that the hard way, when I was tricked into teaching a kids’ class for the very first time!).

But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the many benefits of yoga together as a family. From partner poses to imaginative games, there are so many ways to engage little ones in an active, silly yoga practice.

make it playful

Most kids have no interest in perfect alignment or serious tones, instead they rather play tag at the park. But we can embrace the chaos and infuse their natural playfulness into yoga time! My favorite trick? Turn yoga poses into their favorite animals or characters. For tree pose, have them imagine roots growing out of their feet while birds land on their outstretched branches.You can even create adventures by linking sequences of poses together. Jump from boat pose into a mermaid waterfall! Doing this also helps their creativity flow and mentally creates a stronger mind.  You can also find more poses here that others have found successful.

Involve the whole crew

While one parent leads the young yogis through their animal antics, the other can demonstrate poses. Switch roles with your partner occasionally. And even babies can join in their own way - while little ones stretch into puppy poses, lay an infant sibling on their back for some quick tummy time! Siblings can also partner up for poses like seated straddle fold (bring the soles of your feet together and try to clasp hands in the middle). Let the kiddos invent their own partner shapes too. Silly = fun = connection!

Weave in Bonding Rituals

End each family yoga session with a sweet ritual. You might try a group hug while everyone makes a wish for another person in the circle—promoting empathy and togetherness. Or take turns saying one thing you appreciate about each family member.

Get creative with breathwork too - who can hold their breath the longest? 

One of the easiest ways to engage kids is from Youtube videos, and CosmicKidsYoga is a great channel to follow. A good friend of mine and her dear husband put together this incredible virtual space— House of Flow — with a designated “Kids Room”. But most importantly, have fun coming together creatively. Don't worry about cranking out too many yoga poses or getting each movement perfect. Just enjoy being present and active together as a family!

Let me know if any other family yoga ideas come your way. Connect anytime at amy@wellbywolfe.com!