In recent years, yoga has become part of the cultural mainstream for adults young and old, but did you know there are yoga classes specifically for parents and their toddlers?
At the YWCA, we have such a program for women and their children staying in our emergency shelter. Staff have observed the benefits of this program are overwhelmingly positive for all participants.
Mothers and their children gather together every week for meditation, mindfulness and stretching. Many of the yoga poses are animal-based to make them easier, relatable and memorable for the children. With each pose named for the animal it mimics, the children are encouraged to act out the animal movements and sounds. This not only helps to educate the child, but also makes it fun.
For children, yoga helps to improve attention and focus and helps with child development by refining balance and coordination. It can enhance body awareness, create healthy habits and boost self esteem. Yoga can also help with emotional and behavioural problems through breath control and other relaxation techniques that help to develop focus and concentration and promote self-regulation.
Mom and tot yoga allows for mothers to build their bond and attachment with their children, and hopefully maintain a stronger bond once they leave the shelter. Yoga also provides mothers with a tool they can use to reduce stress and encourage self-regulation, leading to overall improved health.
Staff have observed that mothers tend to stay in the room after the yoga sessions and talk about their stories, challenges and successes. Staff have been able to establish deeper trust and rapport with mothers. Since starting the yoga sessions the mothers seem more willing to open up about their hopes and fears. This openness is important because it often continues into counselling sessions and stimulates healing.
The constant eagerness and excitement about the weekly yoga sessions by both mothers and children shows the importance of having a safe, positive environment where families can have a sense of routine and a chance to feel grounded in a life of chaos.
Similar programs are offered at yoga studios throughout Calgary for parents and toddlers.
“You cannot always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside” – Dr. Wayne Dyer
