Ease Back into School Routine with Simple Family Yoga
After Holidays, Family Yoga Offers a Gentle Transition
After a bustling Christmas season, helping children ease back into the school routine can be a challenge. But there’s a gentle tool that can make all the difference: family yoga. It’s not just about getting away from screens, but also about nurturing emotions and attention.
“Yoga has a superpower within everyone’s reach: get away from screens, from this world that goes a thousand miles an hour, and return to the body and breath,”says Nadège Pétrel, creator of the game Yoga Soothe Emotions as a Family.
And the benefits are real. Studies indicate that yoga can support emotional regulation and attention in children. So, how can you incorporate it into your family’s daily rhythm?
Morning Routine: Stretch and Breathe
Start the day with a simple stretching routine, like the downward facing dog or cat pose. A few movements can loosen up the body and prepare the mind for the day ahead.
Struggling with morning jitters? A simple breathing exercise can help. Imagine a little balloon in your stomach, and inhale and exhale accordingly. It’s engaging, fun, and gives kids a sense of control.
Pro tip: Practice these exercises together on the way to school to ease the morning rush.
Make it a family challenge to see who can hold their breath the longest or who can balance in a specific pose the most steadily.
Evening Routine: Move, Unload, and Relax
After school, use dynamic postures to help children release any built-up tension. It’s not about a perfect session, but about sharing a moment together.
For a fun twist, try lion breathing. Sitting on the ground, stick out your tongue, squint your eyes, and make a big “ah” sound. It releases tension and invites laughter.
- Stretch and breathe in the morning to start the day with a clear mind
- Practice together on the way to school for a shared experience
- Move and unload in the evening to release tension and prep for calm
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Questions Answered
- Q: How long does family yoga need to be?
- A: Just a few minutes each morning and evening can make a big difference. It’s about creating a simple, consistent routine.
- Q: Can any yoga pose be done with children?
- A: Not all poses are suitable for kids, but many are. Stick to gentle, foundational poses and adapt as needed for young bodies.
- Q: How can I make yoga fun for my child?
- A: Make it a game or challenge, use fun names for poses, and let your child lead sometimes. The goal is to enjoy the practice together.
Ready to start? Try these yoga poses today:
- Downward facing dog
- Cat pose
- Ball in the stomach breathing
- Lion breathing
Share your favorite family yoga pose in the comments below!