What Is Pollywog Yoga?

Just like us, our children live in a very busy world. From the moment they are born, kids are bombarded with ever-increasing pressures: innumerable lessons, academic expectation, competitive sports, socializing, and the business of just growing up! And we think adults are stressed? The white-knuckle pace of our children's lives often leaves them with little chance to relax. This constant stress directly impacts a child's health, both mentally and physically. Children need to learn to find peace on the inside, regardless of what is happening on the outside. How do they do that? Yoga!

An effective children's yoga practice includes breathing instruction, relaxation techniques, strengthening and stretching, and of course, play. When children learn to breathe correctly, they are able to immediately tap into the relaxation response. The deep-relaxation portion of the class teaches kids to go to the quiet, safe place in their mind to allow calming and healing to begin. And the poses in a yoga class are not only fun (who doesn't want to pretend to be a snake, tree, or warrior?), but also give children confidence, a strong and flexible body, and a way to self-soothe. A good children's yoga teacher doesn't just teach an adult style class to smaller people. An effective teacher provides instruction and technique through games, songs, stories, and fun props.

 Once children see they have direct control over their stress response, they are able to access these tools throughout their lives. We all remember the phrase "Stop, drop, and roll" from our many fire-safety lessons as children. Wouldn't it be wonderful if today's kids were able to go out in the world with the lesson: "Stop, stretch, and breathe"?  A world of peaceful children grows into a world of peaceful adults. It is a gift this generation deserves.