As a parent, you may wonder if yoga is right for your child. If it indeed is, then what is an appropriate age to get them started on it? Can children do pranayama and breathing exercises? Expert Gaurav Verma, International yoga and meditation faculty with the Art of Living, answers some commonly asked questions on children and yoga.
When can a child start practising yoga?
If you observe carefully, children are naturally seen doing yoga mudras. Yoga mudras are a lesser known, more subtle and independent branch of yoga called yoga tatva mudra vigyan. For example, a child when just born has its fists in the form of adi mudra. A child goes to sleep in chinmaya mudra which provides a sound and blissful sleep. If you notice a child sucking his thumb, he will automatically do it in merudanda mudra. Or when they are sitting, crawling, lying down, or walking, they are doing one or the other postures explained in yoga. So children can start practising yoga at any age but under the guidance of a yoga expert.
Is pranayama safe for children and at what age can a child start performing it?
Pranayama is safe for children, and they can begin practising pranayama at the age of 7-8 years. You must, however, ensure that your child does not perform kapalbhati pranayama or hold his or her breath while performing pranayama for prolonged periods, unlike adults.
Can children perform Surya Namaskar and at what age?
Surya namaskar provides clarity of mind to children, improve coordination and flexibility within the framework of a child s body. Mental concentration is enhanced by the regular practice of this yoga sequence. Children are advised to begin performing surya namaskar at the age of 7 or 8.
Are there any yoga poses kids should avoid and why?
It is highly advised that a child is not taught or made to practice advanced yoga postures. A child s physical or physiological structure is not ready for such advanced positions. Your kids will love these yoga poses.
Image source: Getty Images
