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Don’t Just Tell Kids to Take a Deep Breath
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Hi, Have you ever told a child: “Take a deep breath.” And they either looked confused, ignored you, laughed, or took one quick dramatic breath and moved on? This happens often. Not because children cannot learn breathing tools. But because the way we teach breathwork to children has to be very different from the way we teach it to adults. For many young children, “take a deep breath” is too abstract. They may not understand what to do with their body. They may not be ready to sit still. They may not connect with the instruction emotionally. And if they are already restless, overwhelmed or full of energy, simply asking them to breathe may not be enough. This is why, in kids yoga, we make breathwork visual, playful and age-appropriate. We give the breath a shape.We give it a sound. We give it a character. We turn breathing into something children can feel, imagine and enjoy totally that also connects to their developmental milestone too.One of my favourite ways to teach breathing to young kids is through animal breaths. Here are three simple animal breathing techniques you can try with children: 1. Lion Breath This is wonderful when children have a lot of big energy. Ask them to breathe in, open their mouth, stick their tongue out and roar the breath out like a lion. It feels playful, expressive and powerful. Lion Breath can help children release energy, sound and tension in a safe way. 2. Bunny Breath This is great when children need focus, alertness or a fun way to channel extra energy. Ask them to take three little sniffs like a bunny, followed by one long exhale. You can even add a small bunny jump if the group is active. It keeps the practice playful while helping children bring attention to the breath. 3. Humming Bee Breath This is a lovely calming practice. Ask children to gently close their ears and eyes, only if they feel comfortable, and make a soft humming sound like a bee. The vibration and sound can help children slow down, settle and come back to calm. Of course, every child is different.Some children may love loud breaths. Some may prefer quiet ones. Some may need movement before they can breathe slowly. Some may need to watch first before joining in.That is why teaching kids yoga is not just about knowing techniques. It is about knowing how to introduce them in a way that feels safe, playful and suitable for the child’s age, energy and needs. Animal breaths may look simple. But children are learning so much through them: They are learning body awareness. They are learning how breath feels. They are learning to release energy. They are learning to focus. They are learning to calm their nervous system. They are learning that they have tools they can use when emotions feel big. This is why I always say kids yoga is not just about poses.It is about giving children practical mind-body tools they can use in daily life — at school, at home and during moments of stress, excitement or overwhelm. I shared these 3 animal breathing techniques in my latest Instagram reel. You can watch it here: [Reel Link] And if you would like to learn how to teach yoga, breathwork, mindfulness and emotional regulation to children in a creative, safe and age-appropriate way, our Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training is open for registration. Upcoming Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training (Yoga Alliance Accredited) 📍 In-Person Singapore In-Person Singapore Training On Early Bird promo now ! Limited Seats - Reserve your Spot Now ! 💻 Live Online Training (On Early Bird Promo Now) 🎓 95-Hour Yoga Alliance Registered Kids Yoga Teacher Training Live Online Training-Full Curriculum & Registraton (Early Bird promo valid now) No prior kids yoga teaching experience is needed. Inside the training, you will learn how to guide children from toddlers to teens through: 🌿 Self-care tools for your own well-being as a teacher and caregiver 🌿 Regulation tools for children, based on their energy levels and the Zones of Regulation 🌿 Building connection with children of all ages, because connection always comes before instruction 🌿 Understanding nervous system safety and how to create calm, connected and focused yoga sessions 🌿 Adapting yoga poses appropriately for toddlers, children, tweens and teens 🌿 Breathing techniques to support self-connection, emotional regulation, mindfulness, focus and calm 🌿 Mindfulness practices that are child-friendly, practical and engaging 🌿 Emotional regulation tools to help children build awareness, resilience and coping skills 🌿 Creative teaching tools including themes, stories, songs, props and games 🌿 Class structure, Daily Class practices and lesson planning for different age groups 🌿 Child development and age-appropriate teaching techniques so you can teach with more confidence and understanding 🌿 Children’s safety across physical, mental and emotional well-being 🌿 The 8 limbs of yoga and how to bring yoga beyond poses into your teaching 🌿 Vision-building and reflective practices, including creating your vision board and beginning to think like a yoga entrepreneur And beyond all this, you will also develop a deeper understanding of how these tools can support your own daily life — while helping you share them with children as valuable life skills. Bonus- 100 + pages manual for lifetime access, platform access with all content and recordings This 95-Hour Yoga Alliance Registered Kids Yoga Teacher Training is open to all levels.You will be guided step by step throughout the training.We welcome students from diverse backgrounds who feel called to support children’s holistic well-being — while also learning practical tools to care for their own well-being along the way. If helping children build self-connection, confidence and emotional well-being from an early age through yoga and mindfulness speaks to you, we’d love to have you join us. Here’s a little glimpse inside what we’ve been exploring together ✨FREE PREVIEW- DAY 1 & DAY 2 -Kids Yoga Teacher Training (Orientation & Foundation) 📩 parul@blissyogasg.com 💜 About the FounderParul Chaturvedi is a Kids, Teens & Special Needs Yoga Educator with 10+ years of experience and 10,000+ teaching hours. Founder of BlissYogaSG (2016), she leads Yoga Alliance–approved Kids Yoga Teacher Training and integrates yoga, mindfulness, trauma-informed practices, and creative therapies into her work. With warmth, 🧘♀️ Kids Yoga Teacher Training Singapore (Yoga Alliance Accredited School) |
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Join the BlissYogaSG community for practical kids yoga, mindfulness, emotional wellbeing tools, teacher training updates, resources, and daily wellbeing tips for children, teens, parents, and educators.
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