We all know that children are unique and special in their own way but witnessing them develop and grow within the yoga class setting has been a revelation. When it's our own children we are aware of their development but oftentimes we can become so bogged down with the day to day stuff we forget to sit back and marvel at how amazing they are. In my classes I have been able to observe with more of an objective eye as these aren't my own children.
When I used to take my boys to classes (and we went to so many - baby signing, baby yoga, rhythm and rhyme time, the list goes on) I was always very focused on my children and what they were or weren't doing, sometimes marvelling at how outgoing some kids were and how fearless of strangers they seemed to be (while mine would hide their faces and cling to my leg!) But actually there are many kids who are not loud and gregarious, I have seen them in my yoga classes, but when you are the Mum you tend to only focus on your own kids and the ones who are different - because the contrast is so stark.
But with a little care and gentle attention those quieter ones who don't want to join in everything, slowly begin to trust and start little by little to let their guard down. In all yoga classes there is no competition and this is true of a kids class too, it's fine to watch and take everything in and then try it out at home or quietly on the mat when the other kids are singing and dancing. I really hope that the children who have attended the classes have gained something that they can take through the rest of their lives, I hope a little seed has been planted in them so that they will continue their yoga or come back to it many years down the line.
I am still working with boosting the confidence of my own children, using mindfulness techniques, yoga and a little bit of Buddhist philosophy thrown in as they seem to be the sort of kids that will really benefit from this approach - both are over thinkers like their Mother!!
Yoga is great for everybody but if you have a child who seems to be lacking in confidence and tends to hang back and not join in, then a children's yoga class could really help them. Most areas have some sort of children's yoga classes locally and if not, there are some amazing videos on You Tube. Check out Cosmic Kids Yoga, one of the kids yoga training courses I did was with Cosmic Kids Yoga and they really are captivating stories, that younger children really get involved with. Click the link to check it out - Cosmic Kids Yoga
For more details about my classes for both adults and children see www.yogiclaire.com
