How to Do Yoga With Toddlers

It's not likely that you think of toddlers when you hear the word yoga. More than likely, you think about a calm, relaxed atmosphere full of spiritual enlightenment. Even though it may be hard to imagine a toddler maintaining a downward dog, toddlers can enjoy yoga too.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Bring your toddler to the store with you or shop online for a fun and colorful Yoga mat. Toddlers enjoy the idea of having their own mat and their own space. Try to buy a mat that has extra thick protection.
2. Find an outdoor space to practice. If there is no outdoor space, then use a bright space near windows. You want your child to feel part of nature since many of the poses have names from nature.
3. Emphasize the English names for poses. Kids are far more interested in doing a pose called "Cat" than a pose called "Bidalasana."
4. Ask kids to imagine where they are as they are doing each pose. For example, when doing "Tree Pose" have children imagine that they are a palm tree near a beach, blowing in the ocean breeze.
5. Sit directly across from your child as they do poses. This allows your child to model you, while you make sure she is following along.
6. Purchase yoga media geared towards children such as the book, "Sleep Little Yoga: A Toddler's Book of Yoga." Some fun DVDs include: "Kids Musical Yoga" and "Yoga Kids." Participate with your child as you both work through the DVD. You can also buy, "The Kids Yoga Deck."
7. Consider enrolling your child in a yoga class. There are companies that specifically teach yoga to children. Some classes require the parent to participate. Others are for the toddler alone.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow kids to make animal sounds to match the pose they are doing.
• Use Yoga equipment such as blocks, straps or balls to make the activity more interesting.
• Don't force your child into poses. This should be relaxed and fun.