Kid’s Yoga Inc., offers parents with children who have behavioral health issues a fun, safe and friendly environment in which they learn yoga, guided meditation, breath work and develop a sense of awareness of body, mind and spirit. I encourage you as parents to sit in, and watch as your little ones grow in ways you may not have imagined before. Yoga (meaning union or to yoke) is the practice of accessing and integrating all aspects of our true nature — body, mind, and spirit — in the pursuit of inner harmony. I teach children from age 4 up to teenagers; mindfulness, guided meditation, breathing techniques and yoga practice in a fun, playful way where children can learn adult concepts without fear or anxiety, and in such a way that they can relate to it on their level.
As yoga becomes more popular in schools through physical education classes and after-school programs, the popularity also comes with a lot of controversy.
Although many adults like the benefits of yoga, some parents feel that yoga practice for their children might have a religious association and, like prayer, shouldn’t be allowed in a public space. They feel yoga is an offshoot of Hinduism and that it disseminates religious and meditation principles with its use of “om” and “namaste” chanting. Some also believe that the postures, such as the sun salutation, are a form of Hindu religious worship.
To dispel this notion and avoid any religious or cultural messages, I focus more on the benefits of the exercises, benefits of meditation, and focus on body mechanics, and bringing awareness to not just the body, but the mind as well. I also use generic terms, instead of the Sanskrit names for the poses; I utilize names like cat, bridge, table, tree, downward-facing dog, and so forth.
Yoga’s rising popularity can be attributed to its basic stretching/strengthening advantages, improved body awareness, and added component of a mind-body connection. Despite the controversy, yoga is beneficial to kids in many ways.
I specialize in children struggling with behavioral issues like ADHD/ADD, Major Depression Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, suicidal ideation and/or suicidal thoughts, child molestation, and children whose parents are going through a divorce, just to name a few. I have experienced all of these myself, and I know first hand what each child is going through. Additionally, I teach in small groups of no more than 4 students at a time, so each child receives individual attention from the me. This assures that no child feels left out.
Ideally, each child should receive a one-on-one class with a sibling or two, where I combine my Life Coaching experience in conjunction with my Personal Training experience, Massage Therapy experience and knowledge of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and yoga training experience; in addition to personal experience with many behavioral health issues stemming from my own troubled childhood. I offer children guided meditation, relaxation techniques, breath work and of course yoga. I am not afraid to inquire as to how a child is feeling. I listen intently, looking for keys to what may be causing their conditions whether it be disruptive behavior, feeling suicidal, or other issues welling up inside their little minds. I make certain they feel heard; often times, children intuitively “know” things in life are askew, but they do not understand their feelings. They may have trouble deciphering and/or discussing their feelings or feel that no one is listening to them. I offer all children a safe outlet for these emotions. I help them connect to what they are feeling, how they are feeling and coping mechanisms for dealing with those feelings.
Unlike Bikram yoga, where all classes repeat the same sequence of poses, or other adult classes that are very structured. I intentionally choose to leave my classes “unstructured” so that I can address the child’s need for that particular day. Some days a child may need more “yoga play-time” other days, they may need more guided meditation, more time with the singing bowls, or perhaps they may just need to vent. Often times, children can have emotional releases as the body stores in each cell a memory of any trauma, both physical and mental. One of the reasons I encourage parents to watch is so you too can learn what I am teaching your children and can remind them of these coping mechanisms at home. By keeping the classes unstructured, I am able to address your child’s particular needs for that given day or current issues that arise.
Letters from our fans…
My kids adore Miss Amy and love doing yoga with her. She was meant to work with children and has a special way of connecting with each one. One of my kids is dealing with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. My other child has an explosive temper and is having a very hard time with mine and her father’s divorce. They both trust Miss Amy and feel yoga is helping them more than tradition therapy. I would highly recommend Yoga Kids to any parent whose child is going through a difficult time. They will feel calm, happy, and in control the very first session and will look forward to coming back.
Jennifer S. Atlanta, GA
A very grateful mom
kidsyogainc. 