Toddlers believe the entire world is their yoga mat and many of the movements which they do intuitively mirror classic yoga postures.
Yoga will help to redirect attention and energy in toddlers and is a useful tool in avoiding meltdowns.
Doing these poses is a wonderful way for parents to awaken their inner child and have fun by modeling the poses.
Be sure to provide simple instructions and generous amounts of specific praise thereby making yoga a positive and playful experience.
Also, encourage creativity and expression while adapting the poses to the energy and needs of your child.
Most of all, enjoy spending time playing yoga together.
Namaste.
Cat/Cow - Begin on all fours.
Inhale, look up at the ceiling allowing the belly to drop.
Exhale, curl your back, looking toward your belly.
Repeat three times.
Be sure to meow.
Down Dog - Begin on all fours.
Curl the toes under.
Lift the hips and lower the head making a triangle with your body.
Wag your tail and bark like a dog.
Tree - Stand tall.
Lift one foot and rest it on the side of the shin of the other leg.
Hold onto a hand, wall, chair at the beginning.
As balance and concentration improve try it standing alone.
Be sure to balance on both sides.
JUMPING TREE: hop on one foot while doing tree pose, or FALLING TREE: gently and safely fall out of tree pose.
Star - Stand tall with arms extended and legs wide to create a 5 pointed star with the body.
Shift your weight from one foot to the other while singing "Twinkle, Twinkle.
" Burrito - Unroll a yoga mat or soft blanket onto the floor.
Invite the child to lie down across the mat with head and shoulders above the side (do not cover the face).
Roll the child up into the mat/blanket (with or without a stuffed animal friend).
Once rolled up, pretend to eat your yummy burrito.
Half Moon - Stand with feet slightly apart.
Inhale and stretch an arm in a circle to the side up alongside the ear.
Exhale and give a gentle side bend.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Silly Spins - Spin in circles, first one direction, then in the opposite direction.
You can hold hands while spinning or spin individually.
When finished pretend falling to the ground to safely recover from dizziness.
This is a fun way to cure fussiness.
Lion - Sit or kneel.
Tighten your face, chest & hands.
Let it all go as you roar, extending arms, sticking out the tongue, and opening eyes wide.
Repeat three times.
Alligator - Lay down on your side with your legs extended.
Lift top leg up and down.
Say "Alligator, alligator, crunch, crunch, crunch.
" Repeat on opposite side.
Do it quickly to invigorate; slowly to calm.