Yoga’s benefits aren’t restricted to adults! Here is a quick guide on how you can introduce the principles of yoga to kids in a gentle & simple manner.
If you met me a few years back, I would have told you that yoga simply wasn’t for me. I would tell you that I had tried it and failed, and didn’t see the appeal.
Fast forward to today, and now yoga is my life! It began with finding the right class and the right teacher – as they say, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” That’s certainly what happened with me!
Over the past few years, I have seen myself transform both internally and externally. If you’ve ever had any experience with yoga, you know that it’s not about bending yourself into a pretzel – it’s an entirely new way of thinking, a whole new lifestyle.
Today, I am a calmer, wiser and happier version of myself, and I can confidently say that yoga has changed my life. However, there was another unexpected outcome of my practice – my son!
How to Introduce the Principles of Yoga to Kids
My younger son has been a witness to my transformation and I suppose he liked it – he wanted in too! I realized that if yoga had been so great for me, it surely must have some benefits for kids.
Of course, yoga philosophy and spirituality are deep subjects for children, but they can be simplified. The best way to start is by explaining the basic ethical principles of yoga, called the ‘Yamas.
In Sanskrit, ‘Yama’ means restraint, and it refers to 5 moral codes for social life. Here’s a look at them and some tips on how you can introduce the 5 principles of yoga to kids.
Explaining The Five Yamas or Principles of Yoga to Kids
Ahimsa (Non-violence)
As its name suggests, ahimsa is all about not hurting another being, in deeds, words or even thoughts. In a violent world like ours, it’s crucial to teach kids that there are always peaceful ways of resolving problems. Teach them that we don’t know what others are going through, and that we need to be kind and patient with everyone we meet.
Satya (Truth)
Our kids are likely to be aware that honesty is the best policy, but when introducing the principles of yoga to kids, you need to take it a little further. Yoga teaches us that while it’s important to be honest, if a truth is going to cause only harm and no good, it may best be avoided.
Asteya (Non-stealing)
Like lying, stealing is something that kids know we shouldn’t do, but we need to tell them that it also refers to not coveting what another person has. Snatching your friend’s toy is bad, and so is gobbling up your brother’s share of the chocolates, so you shouldn’t be focused on what other people have and what you don’t.
Brahmacharya (Abstention)
Brahmacharya is among the more complex when introducing the principles of yoga to kids, but it can be explained as ‘using your energy for the right things’. For instance, young kids may relate to the story ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ by Giles Andreae, where the giraffe pours all his energy into learning to dance – he doesn’t waste it on countering the doubts of the other animals.
For older kids, you can ask them to think about where they are spending their energy – is playing video games all day really a good use of it? Instead, encourage them to use their energy to help around the house, volunteer or spend quality time with a family member.
Aparigraha (Non-attachment)
For kids, non-attachment could be better understood as not being greedy. This is a crucial lesson to learn in a consumerist era like ours, where the lines between need and greed have been blurred.
Explain this to kids using a toy they like, for instance, a toy car. Having one car would make them very happy. Having another car would probably make them a little happier, but it would die down after a while and they would want more. There is no end to wanting more, but it doesn’t really give us lasting happiness.
In my opinion, explaining these 5 principles of yoga to kids isn’t enough – many adults could also benefit from them! Please remember that every child is on a different level of understanding, so get down to your child’s level when you speak to them. Avoid pushing all the information at once – give it to them in little bites, like little ‘yoga snacks’. Keep the conversation going and let them ask questions. With time, your little yogis will imbibe these principles into their lives, and you will have done a good job!
If you’re interested in learning more about parenting, you may like these posts:
- Raising Kids in a Multi-cultural Household
- Fun Ways to Teach Kids Science
- Interesting Stories about Lord Ganesha for Kids
- Why Kids should spend time with their Grandparents
- Teach your Kids the Basics of Personal Finance
Prerna is the founder, editor and owner of ‘Maa of All Blogs’, one of India’s Top Parenting Blogs. Besides being a certified Ashtanga Yoga instructor, she is also a fashion designer and economics graduate.
When she’s not busy running her home and business, she ensures she stays active – whether it’s running the half marathon, completing the Oxfam walk or climbing to the Everest base camp. Prerna enjoys wearing all her hats, and she does so in style!
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Earnestly, buddy, I have been on and off of yoga over the past few years and now I am on it finally with all my focus. However I didn’t know about the Yamas but I was planning on introducing yoga to the kiddo, I guess explaining these principles shall be the right beginning. Thanks!
Yes. This could be a great start for your kid!
Thoughtful and interesting ideas. Thanks for sharing these!
Thankyou!
Yes. It’s important to introduce the principles of yoga rather than just making them do it mechanically! And this sure is an eye-opener! You have given good examples and how to implement it!
Yes, you are right. since kids are very stubborn, introducing things like yoga to kids should be slow and gradual
Indeed these are Moral science tips which have their roots in our Yoga, must-to-do things to start the teachings for kids.
Yes, that’s right!
This post has all the calmness in it that is required. It is difficult to imbibe these values in today’s generation but you have proved it is not at all impossible! The perfect explanation makes them understand the values and inculcate them in their lives too! 🙂
I’m not a mommy but this is surely gonna be of help in future 🙂
Good Luck for the future Yogeeta!
This post is really helpful and informative for the mommies to teach their little ones yoga asanas.
Very true!
This is really a very holistic approach to a better living. The earlier we start, the better it is for the kids.
That is right, Jhilmil!
This is a really helpful post for moms who want to introduce the good habit of Yoga to their kids.
True
I definitely agree with you. Inculcating such things at a young age is beneficial in the long run. What we sow at a young age will reap us good things in the future. I am really inspired with this post and would definitely try to introduce this in my daughter’s life and schedule.
Yes. Very right Rakhi!
Wow! What a mind-blowing concept to make your kids aware of high moral values. Really appreciate you sharing this with us.
Thankyou Nisha!
Awesome post, I loved it as it is focused on sharing the principles of yoga with your children.
Thankyou Priyanka!
Teaching our kids to do yoga at their young age is really great. This is helping them to be healthier and fit as well.
Yes. Yoga is very important for the kids!
Yoga must be a ritual for everyone to live a healthy life, I m also teaching my kids a few yoga asanas to make them understand its importance.
Great start Preeti!
Introducing yoga to kids early in life is very useful. I am glad that my daughter’s school has implemented 5 minutes of meditation and yoga every alternate day. It provides mindful calmness and alertness too.
I hope all schools start implementing yoga in their schedule.
Teaching our kids to do yoga at their young age is really great. Helping them to be healthier and fit as well.
That’s right Shubhada!
Yoga has so many immense benefits. It’s best to make kids habitual to yoga at a young age itself:)
Yoga has uncountable benefits and not just for kids but for everyone.
This post is really amazing and easy to follow and it makes your kids understand Yoga in their own ways.
Thankyou Namrata!