Firecrackers

When blessed with children, we think of all the lovely things we cannot wait to teach them. But sometimes we learn of a diagnosis, and these amazing little ones become our teachers. Our kids with special needs guide us through a time of great growth and development we never knew, while it’s all that they know.

This July 4th weekend, celebrate our little firecrackers. The ones who light up our way when we seem lost. Let’s also show our children how we become even better and stronger thanks to their achievements.

Related: Enjoying Fireworks with Special Needs Kids

Here are fun Elahi Echo poses that the entire family can enjoy. Try the partner poses first with your child to light up one another’s lives.

Butterfly Pose

Butterfly pose with your little one on your lap, flutter your legs like a butterfly while guiding your child with the simple movement. This helps to open up hips and promote balance. Sing an encouraging song like “Butterfly” by The Ohmies and watch your child soar.

Cobra Pose

Put a pillow under your child’s arms or chest for extra support while lying down. Then face your child and push up into cobra pose simultaneously. To do this, place your palms shoulder width apart on the floor just under your underarms. Your legs stay glued together, like a tail, with the tips of your feet on the floor. Inhale and push up while lifting the chest and part of the stomach off of the floor. Arch your back and keep your elbows slightly bent and shoulders down and back. This builds core strength and instills a sense of calm. Maintain the position as you both stick out your tongues. Let out a sigh at the end. This assists with self-regulation and adds an extra release.

Cuddling Shrub

Sitting and cuddling become shrub joining: one “shrub” to another. Next, wrap your arms around like branches, prompting your child to follow suit. Let you and your child become more completely intertwined and become a new type of shrub that a holds a flower or fruit or even a bird. Or be playful by asking your child to describe this new shrub you’ve created. Maybe you two have made a shaped shrub that looks like a bear or dinosaur. Is your spouse nearby? Include any family member to join in the activity by also describing this unique shrub, inviting the other family member or friend to also cuddle the shrub, and create something new and organic. Remaining in that position, take a deep breath, balance and sway. Let the breath release and flow with your movement. The input is centering and soothing for everyone.

As my daughter loves to remind me, we are one big happy family of three (and a cat). However large or small your family is, enjoy these poses and take pictures. Remember these moments of growth and look back on them with pleasure as our little firecrackers continue to shine bright.

Kami Evans is a Registered Yoga Teach and Children Registered Yoga Teacher, she is also a Family and Child Advocate and speaks at various events in the US and UK. Contact for more info 800-584-7940 or kami@elahiyoga.com

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This post originally appeared on our July/August 2011 Magazine