MOVE. MOVE. MOVE.
5 Proven Ways Kid’s Aerial Yoga Helps Development
Regular movement is crucial for children’s development. A consistent movement practice can build brain development, mental health, and overall well-being. Movement stimulates brain growth, which enhances cognitive and motor skills. It also builds resilience and confidence. Physical activities such as kid’s aerial yoga also significantly impact children’s emotional and mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, while promoting happiness and self-esteem.
5 Proven Ways Kid’s Aerial Yoga Helps Development
- Brain plasticity: Movement promotes neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to form new neural connections and rewire itself.
- Improves executive functions: A consistent kid’s aerial yoga practice can improve children’s memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
- Enhances motor skills: Kid’s aerial yoga activities help children develop fine and gross motor skills and bilateral coordination. These fine motor skills are important for academic skills such as writing and copying from the board. Gross motor develops strength and flexibility, which will help children play sports.
- Promotes emotional and mental health: Aerial yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. It also helps improve mood and self-regulation.
- Builds resilience and confidence: Participating in kid’s aerial yoga classes can help children develop confidence and growth mindset.
9 tips for incorporating movement into children’s daily life:
- Encourage active play: Go outside – walk, cycle, run, or engage in physical games. Encourage children to explore their environment through movement.
- Reduce screen time: Set boundaries regarding watching television or playing video games. Engage in physical activities as a family instead.
- Create a movement-friendly environment: Designate an area for movement. Maybe add a kid’s aerial hammock.
- Model it: Children learn by example, so be a role model and engage in physical activities alongside them. Sign up for a fun race such as the Color Run, ride bikes, or even do a mother/daughter aerial yoga class together.
- Make it fun: The key to motivating children to participate in any activity is to make it fun. Don’t be afraid to get messy and play.
- Get Creative. Check out our kid’s aerial yoga obstacle course in the video above for fun ways to add movement. You can create an obstacle virtually anywhere such as your living room, the backyard or even a long hallway.
- Get social: Encourage children to join an activity that meets weekly such as a kid’s aerial yoga class or karate to provide opportunities for structured physical activity.
- Celebrate it: Celebrate children’s progress to encourage them to continue participating in movement-based activities.
- Start them young. The earlier children start to move and participate in physical activity the better it is for their development.
Movement is Medicine
It is important for children to move. Regular movement is the foundation for children’s brain development, emotional and mental health, and overall well-being. Encouraging quality movement activities can impact children’s development and teach them life-long healthy habits.
Learn More About Kid’s Aerial Yoga in Kansas City
Are you a parent looking to support your child’s development? Check out our kid’s yoga teacher training courses or sign your child up for a kid’s aerial yoga class or kid’s aerial yoga camp. We also offer occupational therapy services that use the aerial yoga hammock as a playful prop and can be billed to insurance.
Do you live outside of Kansas City?
Check out our online kid’s aerial yoga classes and online kid’s aerial yoga teacher training or buy my book, Mindfulness for Children, which details effective ways to improve both physical and mental health. Make sure the whole family—even the little ones—are embracing the full range of benefits with physical movement and mindfulness.
References
Greenberg J, Braun TD, Schneider ML, Finkelstein-Fox L, Conboy LA, Schifano ED, Park C, Lazar SW. Is less more? A randomized comparison of home practice in a mind-body program. Behaviour research and therapy. 2018;111 :52-56.