Teaching Meditation and Yoga to Children: How It Can Make a Difference to Psychology and Mental Health

Last Updated: March 1, 2024

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Our health is determined since the day we born and even before that. A child’s overall growth and development depends upon how they have been nourished. The early phase of one’s life is the most crucial phase for both the child and the parents. There are countless activities and practices any parents should consider teaching their child. One of which must be meditation and yoga.

Meditation and Yoga are the two most important aspects of psychological well-being that are positively associated with improving quality of life. Practicing yoga and meditation is not only recommended to adults but has to be incorporated into children’s daily activities. Introducing yoga and meditation at an early stage of a child’s life helps them grow physically, mentally and emotionally.

Children, Meditation and Yoga

Meditation is a way of calming your body, mind, and their functions. Consistent meditation practices are associated with reduced anxiety, increased attention, and friendly behavior among children. Studies also reveal that meditation in children is found to be beneficial for those who have Attention Deficit Hypertensive Disorder (ADHD) and other neurological problems.

Yoga is an act of balancing mind and body with mindfulness. Yoga helps to improve the functioning of the body and mind from the early stage of a child’s life. The cognitive development of children is directly linked with their mental and psychological health status from an early stage. Teaching them ample yoga techniques and practices will help them to develop coping mechanisms against sudden inconveniences they might suffer. 

There are no particular techniques of meditation and yoga for children. The simplest form of meditation such as breathing techniques, basic movements, and relaxations might be something to begin with. Cultivating the practice of yoga and meditation exercises helps to build empathy and compassion at the early age of childhood and strongly influences their confidence in the later stages of their life.

Why teach children meditation and yoga?

Nowadays, we find children being glued to mobile phones and other gadgets which is directly associated with reducing their physical activities and draining their brains. Teaching meditation and yoga to your child during this period can help your child grow beyond the virtual environment. It encourages them to be present at the moment and to embrace their existence. It allows them to experience calmness with peace of mind. Like adults, yoga and meditation are linked with developing a strong focus and concentration among children. Practicing yoga and meditation helps to make them aware of their body and mind. They get to be exposed to positive energy that drives them to healthy behavior and practice.  

At what age should teach them meditation and yoga?

There is no specific age to start teaching meditation and yoga to your children. You can start teaching them as soon as they can walk independently. Children, at an early age, tend to mimic their parents’ behaviors and activities. This period is the best time for you to introduce meditation and yoga into your daily routine.

A few minutes of meditation and yoga for preschool children can be enough. However, 10 minutes of meditation and 10 minutes of yoga are recommended for school-going children.  Teens and adults can practice it for up to an hour as per their preferences.

It is well-known that the earlier meditation starts, the better it is. It helps to promote mental clarity and mindfulness in children which is one of the valuable traits every person requires for a peaceful mind.

Techniques to teach them meditation and yoga

When introducing anything new to children, you must be very mindful for making it more fun rather than a boring task. There is no any particular way of teaching them yoga and meditation, but there are some techniques your children will treasure.

1. Start with very basic and easy yoga positions making sure not to exhaust them at the very beginning. To make it more interesting you can name yoga positions with animals so that it becomes easy for them to memorize.
2. Make sure not to make yoga and meditation sessions too long. Repeat the sessions everyday to make them realize that it should be performs consistently.
3. Teach them simple types of meditation such as breathing, relaxation and movement techniques. The primary goal must be to make them realize that yoga and meditation has to be incorporated in their daily activities.
4. You can also send them to yoga classes where they get to make friends and social interactions. It helps to drive their motivation.
5. As parents, don’t forget to make similar environment at home because children tend to quickly catch your behavior and practices and mimic them.   

Psychology and Mental Health of children who perform meditation and yoga.

Yoga and meditation has both physical and psychological benefits not only in adults but also among children. Meditation helps children to relieve stress and anxiety. It helps children with autism to improve their anxious behavior and allows them to relax.

Yoga helps them to get connected with their inner self and boosts their confidence in who they are. It improves focus and concentration among children that empower them with active decision making abilities. Yoga and meditation helps build a positive attitude along with a strong sense of willpower among children. It makes them sufficient enough to deal with complex situations both physically and mentally.

Various studies have shown a positive effect of yoga and meditation on the mood and resilience of school going children. Similarly, other studies have shown an positive relationship between yoga and meditation with control in depression, body dissatisfaction and improvement in expressing their emotions. 

Many other studies have suggested yoga and meditation enhances the skills and knowledge of children and encourage them to make a healthier lifestyle choices Beyond psychological benefits, children are observed to be more active, focused and determined as a result of consistent meditation and yoga. Children who are actively involved in yoga and meditation are being emotionally stronger and have gained social and interpersonal skills. 

Conclusion

There are several ways of teaching yoga and meditation practices to your children. The mental and psychological well-being of your child is equally important as the physical well-being. As parents, you have the power to shape your child’s health to the optimum level. Yoga and meditation is one of the best practice you can gift your children with. It not only empowers your child but it positively guides them everywhere.