“Raul, can you turn off the PlayStation for a bit and listen to what I have to say?” I knew my words were going in one ear and out the other. I knew that for my son—so absorbed in his game—it was confusing to switch between the real and the virtual worlds.
A typical scene in almost every family these days. Parents want their children to stop watching TV or playing violent video games that lead only to lethargy, numbness, and aggression. There’s a hidden concern that haunts them when they stop and think about their child’s future.
A few years ago, I was in the same position, worried about my son's future, until I met Shveta—the yoga instructor at the studio on the corner. I had never seen anyone so devoted and passionate about her calling. She held yoga classes for kids, teens, and adults all day on weekends, and every morning and evening during the week.
Raul resisted going to the yoga classes at first, so I accompanied him—and realized I wasn’t alone. I met other moms who thought like me, who were concerned and wanted their children to grow up healthy. Shveta made yoga poses and stretches fun and playful, a real joy for the children.
Raul gradually started enjoying the yoga asanas, practicing headstands, bow pose, and pranayama—which pleasantly surprised me! Being a mom means noticing even the tiniest change in your child without needing a microscope.
Seeing the transformation in my own child inspired me to highlight some of the reasons why encouraging your children to practice yoga is so worthwhile.
Make Yoga Fun for Your Child
Parents can be a great source of inspiration for their children.
Children love doing their best when their parents are watching.
Spend time practicing yoga with your child over the weekend instead of letting them sit glued to the TV watching Cartoon Network.
Attending a Sri Sri Yoga session together can be a wonderful way to build and strengthen your parent-child bond.
The Sri Sri Yoga course also incorporates meditation and promotes human values in children.
1. A Stable Foundation
Just like a skyscraper needs a strong foundation, our children need the right grounding. I believe that when a child begins practicing different yoga postures regularly, they learn how to balance their body while laying the groundwork for long-term health. Yoga strengthens the body and helps build stronger bones.
2. Bright Minds Come First
Headstands and shoulder stands help direct blood flow to the brain, bringing more oxygen to the grey matter, which begins to function more efficiently. The result—a sharp-minded child who's always the first to raise their hand to answer tough questions in class.
3. A Stronger Immune System
How often do we have to take our kids to the doctor with every seasonal change? Yoga could change that this season, as asanas and pranayamas help enhance immune function. Chest-opening poses expand the lungs and support easy, deep breathing.
4. Calm and Composed
Every parent dreams of seeing their child calm and well-behaved. Yoga brings calmness! I noticed Raul not only started to listen to what I had to say, but also became more responsible with daily chores—whether it was coming to the table for breakfast or handing over his clothes for laundry.
5. Patience Through Pranayama
My weekly sessions with Shveta taught me that alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhan pranayama) activates both nostrils, which in turn stimulates the nervous system. Oxygen-rich blood calms the nerves, promoting patience, alertness, and focus. All of this contributes to a child’s growth and development.
6. Yoga Is More Than Just Asanas
We often think of yoga as only postures or asanas. But the truth goes far beyond that. Yoga offers so much more—it’s a way of life that anyone can embrace. It includes healthy eating, meditation, yoga postures, and yogic wisdom. Yoga philosophy teaches children nonviolence, encourages vegetarianism, and nurtures human values.
With love,
A Happy Mom
