The benefits of yoga on kids

By Angie Continisio
Special to The Suburban

We shouldn’t be shocked to learn that the majority of children today occupy their time by sitting in front of the television and the computer, listening to their iPods and playing video games. With their abuse of these electronic toys, negative attitudes and unhealthy bodies ensue. As a result, an increasing number of children suffer from insomnia, eating disorders, headaches, bad posture, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), aggression and other daily stressors.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, rates of obesity among children and youth aged two-17 are increasing. In 1979, three percent of children and youth were obese. By 2004, the number had grown to eight percent, or an estimated 500,000. And an additional 18 percent are overweight.

These statistics taken together result in more than one quarter, or 26 percent of kids, being either overweight or obese.

Children are capable of so much more. Providing them with the right environment and tools allows them to openly express their awareness and creativity. Yoga is a discipline that offers children many benefits such as strong, limber and healthy bodies, increased focus and concentration. It also cultivates self esteem, inspires success and helps them to relax and sleep better.   

Yoga can also be used as a channel to improve speed, agility and stability required for sports such as hockey, soccer, baseball, running, even dancing and figure skating. Yoga is a non-competitive activity that can be practiced by everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.

Teachers and administrators are now allowing yoga into schools as they are beginning to recognize that it is a great way to bring concentration and focus back to children.

Four years ago I was introduced to yoga by a friend and I was hooked after the first class. While practicing yoga at home one day, my eight-year-old son joined me on the mat and I immediately noticed how much calmer and alert he was at the end of the practice.

After much contemplation, I registered for a YogaKids training program and following the completion of my training I began teaching yoga from my home to the neighborhood children. I was captivated by their disposition and mood after a class.

I subsequently began contacting daycares, preschools and elementary schools in the city to promote the undeniable benefits of yoga. The educators and teachers immediately noticed the difference in the children’s demeanours after only a few classes. They were less excitable and more patient. They became better listeners and instead of having tantrums when things did not go their way, the children began to reason.

Kids Butterfly Yoga specializes in children and family yoga. The class theme and duration are based on the age group of each class. Through the yoga poses, books, music and art, the children are taught about anatomy, ecology, nature, astronomy, recycling and more. They are invited to bark like dogs in Downward Facing Dog, meow like cats and moo like cows in Cat/Cow pose, and roar like lions in Lion pose.

The poses are then followed by relaxation and visualization. The children are invited to close their eyes and visualize themselves running on a beach, strolling through a fresh green meadow or swimming in a lake. During the guided imagery, they are encouraged to smell and taste the salty ocean air as well as the grass and flowers in the meadow, and to listen for the sound of birds chirping and bees buzzing around them.

Through guided imagery, the children bring to light their feelings, desires, bodies and surroundings. They learn the insight on how to become grounded to the earth and the world around them.

By allowing children the opportunity to practice yoga on a regular basis, we are opening them up to a life of balance, tranquility, wellbeing and contentment. They will also be empowered with health, peace, creativity and love.

Angie Continisio is the owner of Kids Butterfly Yoga in Ville Emard. Call 514-762-9642 (YOGA), or visit www.kidsbutterflyyoga.com.