Yoga encompasses the whole child by strengthening bodies and calming minds to encourage better focus and build self-confidence. Through yoga, children are able to develop and foster more than just physical skills.
Yoga helps your two year old develop social-emotional skills such as self-awareness.
Physically, your two year old is developing more body awareness through yoga by testing and pushing her balancing and physical capabilities. She is able to become more confident and have higher self-esteem when it comes to movement and mobility.
Yoga is a great tool to build creativity and imagination. Your child can express herself through different movements. As a parent, you can incorporate different music, relatable animal or nature poses, and dance. Because your child is young, you will have to show her how to do each movement.
1. Three-Legged Dog Pose
Step both feet together so your big toes are touching. Bend over and put your hands f lat on the floor in front of you. Shift your weight onto your hands and your left foot, then raise your right leg into the air. Then lower your right leg and switch sides.
2. Frog Pose
Bend your knees and sit down. Place your palms on the ground, but make sure your knees don’t touch. Move your heels upward and put a little pressure on your toes. Slowly, put your heels on the floor and stand up.
3. Reverse Warrior Pose
With the right knee bent, drop left hand down to rest on left leg. Then reach right arm up toward the ceiling on an inhale. Keep right knee bent and press firmly into feet, keeping legs strong. When you feel solid, begin sinking hips down. Check to make sure shoulders are soft. Hold the pose for up to five breaths, and repeat it on the other side.
