It’s amazing how quickly the new year has arrived, and how many changes and successes have occurred over the year. How can we continue to build strength and mindfulness with our kids? Incorporate the following yoga poses, breaths, and juice blends in the months ahead to get a head start.
Strike a Pose
One way I enjoy beginning the day with my little girl is by getting her involved in yoga while she wakes. My daughter and I pick three poses to wake us up, such as mountain, tree, and butterfly.
You and your child should focus on breath during each pose. A great go-to for this is inhaling through the nose for three counts and then exhaling through the mouth for five counts. This calms the mind and body while releasing toxins. It does wonders for us parents, too.
[1]I Am a Mountain
In mountain pose, the goal is to stand with our toes together and heels one inch apart. Arms should be either to our sides or in prayer pose pressed together in front of the heart. Stand still and close your eyes, breathing and balancing yourself for the day.
[2]Strong as a Tree
Move to tree pose by gently opening your eyes and then lifting one leg to touch the opposite ankle. We do not want to push this pose too much in the morning. We just want our children to feel the difference in the pose by balancing themselves. Switch legs after ten gentle breath counts.
Float Like a Butterfly
After all the balancing, get on the floor with your child for butterfly pose. Your young yogini can sit on your lap or in front of you. The 
[3]soles of your child’s feet should be pressed together, gently stretching the hips as your child flaps the knees up and down like butterfly wings. Encourage your youngster to stretch the arms up, one at a time and then together, to stretch the upper body. Maintain a gentle breath during each movement to increase the flow of energy.
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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 the UK. Contact for more info 800-584-7940 or [email protected]
Image Courtesy of © vmakt photoxpress.com
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This post originally appeared on our January/February 2013 Magazine [14]