Viniyoga is a holistic practice of yoga with a long history and tradition. The benefits of Viniyoga are multifold, and the practice is suitable for all ages - including kids! Read about yoga teacher Philip Rigo’s experience of teaching yoga to young children, or continue reading for 5 benefits of Viniyoga for children:
1. Helps with emotional regulation
Compared to adults, children are still in the process of learning about their own emotions and can feel frustrated when trying to communicate their needs. Without proper support or guidance, this can lead to tantrums that upset both kids and caregivers. For kids with special needs or disabilities, this can be even more stressful - read yoga teacher Katri Kaldaru’s experience here teaching yoga to children with special needs and gifts.
Viniyoga classes use Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Mantras to provide children with the tools they need to process, experience, and regulate their emotions both in and out of class. Over time, this can help them to manage their stress and reduce anxiety - important life skills that will benefit them into adulthood.
2. Provides mindfulness support
Many adults attend yoga classes for mindfulness benefits, and these can extend to children as well. Young children typically have high energy levels, and many parents will attest to how exhausting it is to run around after their kids. This can also have an effect on childrens’ emotional regulation, as they are unable to properly release their energy, resulting in frustration and exhaustion.
Yoga classes help teach kids how to relax and manage their energy levels by encouraging them to live in the moment. Yogic techniques such as Dhyanam (meditation) and Vedic chanting can help kids achieve this peaceful state of mind. For children who are experiencing anxiety or high stress levels, this can also be a form of gentle stress relief.
3. Improves concentration and attention spans
Try to hold a conversation with a child and you will soon realise that their attention spans are very short and they can quickly lose interest in a topic. While most kids will naturally grow out of this, attending children’s Viniyoga classes is one way to start improving their concentration.
Through memorising Mantras or Asanas (postures), kids learn to deepen their focus and concentration as well as improve discipline. Once they start attending school, these skills can help with academic performance too.
4. Teaches body awareness
Most kids today spend their leisure time online on digital devices and computers, rather than being outdoors or playing sports. This makes teaching body awareness more important than ever, so that kids can get in touch with their bodies and build self-confidence through movement.
Apart from Asanas (postures), other yogic techniques such as Bhavana (visualization) can also help build body awareness. During classes, our yogis will offer modifications to suit your comfort level, providing even young children with a safe space for reflection and meditation.
5. Creates opportunities for family time
Above all, taking yoga classes together is a great chance for the whole family to share in the experience. Viniyoga online classes are private, so you can simply and safely enjoy the time spent with your little ones.
Introduce your Kids to Viniyoga today
Viniyoga adopts a holistic approach to yoga, health, and wellness in line with centuries of yogic teaching. Our personalised private yoga classes in Singapore are suitable for practitioners of all skill and comfort levels, and can be tailored to meet the needs of children and youth of all ages. Get in touch with us for more information.