yoga for children & families
The yoga and mindfulness practices and methodology of Special Yoga have become significant in both my personal practice and my approach to sharing yoga with others, as well as being particularly relevant to children and young people who are autistic and/or have ADHD.
Yoga has the potential to enhance wellbeing when attention is given to exploring an individual need at any given moment. Everyone can benefit from finding their optimal state in which to thrive, and from moving from a place of stress to the most relaxed state possible, whether that is through grounding, calming, soothing or sensory input.
I have continued to add depth to my knowledge of Special Yoga practices with a Special Yoga for Dyslexia short course and CPD in Special Yoga for Autistic Girls.
The'Hoglets' sessions (Yoga & Movement) are specifically designed with 2-5 year olds in mind, during which we share yoga in ways which are enjoyable and relevant to younger children. Together we create a safe space for little explorers to discover movement, breath and relaxation with curiosity and creativity.
Inspiration for the sessions may come from books, themes, music and the world around us. They encourage the development of communication, imagination and social skills.
These sessions also run successfully in nurseries and pre-schools and can be tailored to current learning themes within the setting.
"Every child should have the opportunity to develop lifelong skills to support their physical and emotional health and wellbeing in a fun and friendly way, which Béa delivers brilliantly."
~ Pre-School Manager
"I love that my 4 year old is learning to do some calm breathing herself as well as having a wriggle and stretch. All mixed in with some creative time and bonding with me."
~ S, parent
family yoga sessions are informal and fun, inviting children and their families to move at their own pace and enjoy connecting with each other while exploring yoga creatively.
It may be that you as an adult have a yoga practice and you're keen for your children to get involved. Or perhaps children come home from nursery or school talking about yoga but you've never tried a class? Whether some, all, or none of you have experienced yoga before, you will be very welcome! A great way to spend some time together in a relaxed space, sessions currently run monthly. As a rough guide, these classes are aimed towards pre-school and primary-aged children.
The hour-long family sessions welcome children from 3yrs+. Shorter (30 minutes) sessions are also available, which may be particularly suited to younger children - from 2 to 5 years - and their families (minimum age 2yrs).
We discover a range of yoga poses, sequences, movements and breathing patterns, alongside other elements of yoga such as focus and relaxation. Some sessions may incorporate an additional creative or making activity.
All of our small, group sessions provide an inclusive, relaxed and non-competitive environment to:
- Develop balance, co-ordination and proprioception
- Help young people to build strength, especially at their core, which can support healthy posture and aid concentration
- Promote a positive attitude towards both physical activity and relaxation
- Encourage young people to learn about how their bodies and brains move and function
- Develop communication skills and emotional learning
- Help young people learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them
- Build the foundations of mental health by validating emotions
- Encourage young people to learn to self-regulate and channel their energy
- Explore mindful behaviours
- Develop ways to cope with stress more effectively
Private 1:1 sessions are also available by arrangement.
