What Is The Right Age For Kids To Start Meditation And Yoga

Yoga and meditation incorporate the mind, body and spirit contributing to overall well-being. But it is not only for adults, even kids can practice it. Kids can start practising Yoga as soon as they are able to take instructions. Hence, it is best if they practice at an early age so that they grow up to become both physically and mentally strong. 

When Can Kids Start Meditation And Yoga?

Kids who are about the age of four years become capable of understanding instructions and following them. But there are certain poses and practices that should not be taught to kids as their bones are still developing and are tender. For instance, the Padmasana pose should only be done once the child turns 12 as at this age, the bones get developed and are not tender anymore. 

Children can practice Surya Namaskar and Pranayama from eight years of age. It is a crucial age for the psychological and physical development of children. 

As spiritual development begins at age eight, introducing Yoga and meditation will help carve their spiritual journey. Here are some reasons why children reaching the age of eight years should actively do Yoga and meditation- 

• The number of air sacs and airways in the lungs stabilises at age eight. They grow bigger and develop a greater capacity to hold air. Hence, introducing Pranayama into a child’s daily routine is appropriate at this age. Pranayama helps the cardiovascular and respiratory systems maintain high levels of resistance and endurance.
• As the health of the immune system establishes by this age, sun salutations are beneficial. Sun salutations and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama ensure the continual development of immune responses throughout life.
• The pineal gland is responsible for the maintenance of the child’s expanded state of awareness. Children who practice yoga in their eight-year experience a delay in puberty, thereby staying a child for a little while longer. This delay will help the child be ready to cope with the physiological, psychological and emotional onslaught of puberty. Children who hit puberty a little later are also found to be more intuitive, sensitive and intelligent adults than those who hit puberty quickly.
• Psychologists believe that kids’ ability to understand concepts and ideas which form the basis of ongoing technical and moral education begins at age eight. Before this, fantasy and play are dominant in the child’s life.
• Spiritual development begins at this age. This is a great time to initiate children into karma yoga – where they begin to help with small household tasks, earn some responsibility, learn morals and are held accountable. This will help them develop their own spiritual journey.

What Are The Yoga Poses Children Can Start With?

Here are some poses that are safe and easy for children to start with-

1. Savasana

This easy yoga pose helps relieve the mind while relaxing the body and is also referred to as the corpse pose.

2. Vriksasana

This yoga pose helps little ones learn about graceful nature while helping them practice balance. It is also known as the tree pose.

3. Marjaryasana

Also known as the cat pose, it helps to stretch the lower back and spine.

4. Baddha Konasana

Also known as the butterfly pose, your little one can do this by flapping both legs while sitting comfortably. It is good for digestion and strengthens the abdomen.

5. Sukhasana

This simple pose can be done by sitting with crossed legs and keeping the back straight with the spine, head and neck aligned.

6. Bhujangasana

Also known as the cobra pose, it helps to keep the lungs and gut healthy. It can be done by laying on the belly and keeping the legs flat on the floor.

7. Simhasana

Also known as the lion pose, it is done by sitting with the hips on the heels and then resting the palms on the knees. After that, gently inhale with the tongue out and breathe out through the mouth. It is beneficial for the respiratory system and also strengthens the immune system.

There are multiple benefits of Yoga and meditation for kids as they help enhance their strength, coordination, flexibility and body awareness. It further helps to boost memory power and concentration helping them to excel at academics and regular activities. Children also feel calm and relaxed.