With COVID-19 and the closure of schools and businesses many of us are at home trying to figure out this new normal while balancing work, kids, health, finances and our sanity. Here are a few ways to engage with your family in a meaningful and fun way. For more in this series click here.
Move
by Katherine Banker, Founder and Executive Director
Idea: Moving together in a mindful way promotes bonding, coordination/motor development, language skills and more!
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Breath: Use a feather or object around the house to introduce the concept of breath. Breathing on a mirror or object such as a feather is helpful. You can also place hands on your belly and take some deep belly breaths. Concentrate on the rise and fall of your belly as you breathe in and out.
Extension: Invite your child to take turns feeling each other’s breath. If you like find child’s pose and invite your child to place their hand on your back and feel it rise and fall.
Move and Play: Create your own yoga names! Everyone thinks of their favorite color and animal. When combined they create your yoga name. Example: Turquoise Dog. Then work together to create your own unique yoga pose. Everyone gets a turn!
Extension: Try to use your yoga names all day!
Down time: Try ending with some quiet time using an object to gaze at such as a candle. Challenge yourself to gaze at the candle for 15 seconds. Then try 30 seconds.
Extension: Increase the gaze time during your next family yoga time. Keep track and celebrate!
Ending: End with your child’s song of choice.
Remember to have fun and be silly! And, don’t forget the whole world is your yoga mat!
Photos by Carmen Buck Photography
“It is an honor to share yoga with the community and witness children grow in confidence and compassion, families bond and de-stress, and teachers take the time to recharge and renew.”
Katherine Banker