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Introducing yoga to your child at a young age plants the seed for a positive physical and mental awareness that will last a lifetime. An essential part of the yoga practice is learning to breath properly, something most of us rarely think about. Yoga teaches children to breath fully from their diaphragms and fully expand their lungs, increasing oxygen intake, which helps with concentration, creative thinking and digestion. A few deep breaths calms the nervous system and can help your child better manage stressful or uncomfortable situations.

The Belly Breath Exercise (age 3+):

• Lay on your back with your child, legs and arms outstretched.
• Place a favorite toy or stuffed animal on each of your bellies.
• Inhale through your nose and watch the small toy rise as your stomach fills up with air.
• Exhale through your mouth and watch as the toy begins to sink down.
• Repeat the exercise several times and remember that yoga should be fun and creative for you and your child!

Namaste.

By: Hilarie Moore, Yoga and Movement Instructor at Gymtime and York Avenue Preschool