The back to school transition can be hard on everyone! Structure returns in many forms: morning routine, school routine, after school activity routines and lunch making routine! Children are small humans and need time and help to adjust to change just like adults. As adults, we deal with change in a variety of ways but for me allowing the time and space to process the change is so important. I need to feel all the feelings about the change to be able to move forward. When I give myself this space I often process the change much faster. Yoga is a tool I use for this often. I can use the time to move my body and then settle into the quiet space to process my emotions. If we can pass some of this wisdom on to our kids the back to school transition will be easier for everyone.
Yoga is a great tool to help kids transition too. Here is how you can use it with your kids!
1. Do a 10-15 minute asana movement together. This could include some cat and cows, some sun salutations and some balance poses. If you have a regular yoga practice it would be fun for you and your kids to create a flow together. If you would like to follow along with a video check out Cosmic Kids on YouTube, they have a lot of fun themed yoga adventures!
2. After you flow spend 5-10 breaths sitting quietly just focusing on your breath. These breaths should be slow and deep. Inhale for a count of 5 and exhale for a count of 5. We love using our Hoberman sphere to help the kids visualize the inhales and exhales. You can click here to find it on my amazon list. These breaths are an important practice and will transition to their everyday life. My two year old utilizes her Magic Breaths when she is frustrated or scared!!
3. Settle into a quiet meditation. Have your kids lie down with something over their eyes, this helps removed one distraction. We love listening to New Horizons meditation on YouTube to help the kids stay focused. It guides them through a visualization that will take them out of their thoughts and into their imagination. This should be time for them to just relax and disconnect. I would suggest starting with just 2-5 minutes and working up from there. Also, gage your child. If you think they need more or less then adjust as needed.
Adding a yoga routine to your kid's weekly routine will help give them the tools to manage the transitions and changes in their life. It is so important to empower them to take control. If they can recognize their feelings they can better communicate how they are feeling and what they need.