What does it really mean to be in balance? When I explore this concept with children, I don’t start with definitions. I start with questions. Beginning with Curiosity I ask them: “Have you ever tried standing on one foot with your eyes closed?” “When you first learned how to ride
Sometimes we think self-care has to be something big — a weekend getaway, a full spa day, or hours of silence. But in reality, compassion often begins with the smallest gestures. A warm cup of tea, a gentle stretch, or simply pausing to breathe can remind us that we are
As teachers, parents, or caregivers, we know what it feels like when the day becomes overwhelming — the rush of responsibilities, unexpected challenges, or simply the noise of a busy environment. Our minds can race, our bodies tense, and we might feel like we’re running on autopilot. In those moments,
In both our own minds and in the lives of our students, creating even a small distance from our thoughts can make a big difference. As teachers, the more we can notice and gently let go of our own unhelpful thoughts, the more we can guide our students to do
How to Build a Healthier Relationship with Emotions — for Adults and Children Emotions are a natural part of life. Yet many of us either try to push them away or get swept up in them. What if there’s a middle path—one where we simply notice and relate to our
As educators, we often give so much of ourselves to others that we forget to pause and check in with our own well-being. But just like on an airplane, we must put on our own oxygen mask first before helping others. This week, I invite you to try a gentle,
Young children often struggle to understand and express their emotions. As educators, we can support them in recognizing, naming, and managing their feelings in healthy ways. Mindfulness-based approaches help children develop a deeper awareness of their emotions and create a stronger connection with their inner world. 1. Helping Children Recognize
Objective: To help children develop mindfulness and self-regulation skills through partner breathing and related activities. Materials: Yoga mats, small pom poms, calming background music (optional) In a world that often feels rushed and noisy, teaching children how to slow down and connect with their breath is a valuable gift. Partner
1. Meditation: Checking the Internal Weather (5 minutes) Begin by guiding the children through a meditation to help them notice their internal emotional landscape. Here’s a sample script you can use: “Close your eyes and take a deep breath in… and out. Imagine you are looking at the sky inside
Have you ever held a leaf in your hand and examined it closely? Especially if it’s an autumn leaf… the yellows, oranges, and reds announce the changing season so visibly… Every autumn, I do this with both my students and my daughters. It’s a seasonal ritual for us. First, take
As parents and educators, we are constantly searching for holistic approaches to support our children's academic journey. Amidst the various tools available, one stands out not only for its physical benefits but also for its positive impact on cognitive functions and emotional well-being – Kid's Yoga.
Teaching kindness to children in a kids' yoga class is a wonderful way to instill important values while promoting physical and mental well-being. By integrating these practices into your kids' yoga classes, you can help children develop empathy, compassion, and a strong sense of kindness that they can carry with
Summer is a wonderful time for children to explore new experiences, connect with nature, and nurture their well-being. Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and aware of the present moment, is a valuable skill that can benefit children in numerous ways. By incorporating mindfulness techniques and activities into their
Incorporating mindfulness into children's yoga practice can be a powerful way to promote these benefits and help children develop a lifelong habit of mindfulness. Let’s now explore the importance of mindfulness in children's yoga practice and provide tips on how to incorporate mindfulness into children's yoga classes.
As children grow and develop, they are often faced with a variety of fears that can be difficult to understand and cope with. These fears can vary in intensity and duration, but they are a common part of the childhood experience. Here are some of the most common childhood fears
Children can experience stress just like adults. They may show signs of stress such as stomachache, headache, nausea. When children experience mindfulness with games and movement exercises, they also discover their inner world. They can even use what they have learned in the outside world. They learn to show friendly
The Mindfulness Practices include, but are not limited to, deep breathing exercises, yoga poses and games, brain breaks, sensory tools and experiences, and guided relaxation practices.
We all need time to relax - even kids. With so many school obligations to complete and after-school activities to attend, relaxation becomes vital. If you’ve never considered your child’s schedule or are concerned that your kid is overscheduled, it’s time to think about relaxation.
I've brought together breathing exercises that I've used in my kid’s yoga classes so far and that kids love too. All you need is your breath. And remember that your breath is always with you!
Yoga nidra, in other words yogic sleep is an ancient technique from India. It is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping in which the body is completely relaxed. In other words, it is the practice of guiding your entire body and mind into complete relaxation. As it helps