Raising Joyful Yogis: The Power of Yoga for Children
The Benefits of Yoga for Kids
As a yoga teacher and elementary educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand how yoga lights up the hearts and minds of people of all ages. Adults often turn to yoga to manage stress, heal from injury, or reconnect with their bodies. It helps them regulate emotions, build self-awareness, and find balance. The same is true for children.
Yoga brings quiet children out of their shells, while helping high-energy children become more focused and grounded. It’s not just for one “type” of person — yoga is for everyone. It’s a transformative practice that meets each individual exactly where they are.
In today’s fast-paced world, children are more overstimulated than ever before. They’re busy, constantly bombarded with information, and many face real mental health challenges. Yoga offers them a path back to stillness and self-regulation.
Why Yoga Matters for Kids
Since I began teaching yoga to children both in and out of the classroom, I’ve seen kids apply the techniques on their own — just like adults do. But they need to be taught how and when to use them, what it feels like in their bodies, and that they don’t need to wait until they’re overwhelmed to slow down.
The benefits of yoga for kids are powerful and wide-ranging:
Physically, yoga improves strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body awareness — all of which support development and even translate to other sports.
Mentally, it enhances focus, self-regulation, resilience, and emotional awareness — skills that support mental health and academic success.
Socially, it fosters empathy, confidence, and a sense of community.
Yoga is especially valuable for children who aren’t drawn to traditional sports. Its non-competitive nature gives those kids a way to move their bodies joyfully, without pressure. At its core, yoga helps children navigate the chaos of the world with greater calm, presence, and joy.
Summer Kids Yoga Camp at Green Lotus
“Play is not a break from learning. It is endless, delightful, deep, engaging, practical learning. It’s the doorway into the child’s heart.” – Vince Gowmon
Much of kids yoga is taught through play — and that’s where the magic happens.
This summer, I’m hosting our Kids Yoga Camp at Green Lotus, to offer young yogis a nurturing, fun, and inclusive space to grow physically, emotionally, and socially. Each day features an exciting theme and includes yoga, meditation, breathwork, storytelling, mindfulness games, crafts, and outdoor play.
We’ve created this camp to help children:
Learn to regulate emotions
Build self-awareness and confidence
Connect with others and make new friends
Develop a lifelong love for mindful movement
I’ve hosted yoga camps before, and the transformation is often remarkable. I remember Cleo, who started the week quiet and reserved, barely taking up space. By the end, Cleo was moving freely, using their voice, and joyfully expressing themselves. And then there was Frankie — full of energy, skeptical about yoga, and constantly interrupting. By the end of the week, Frankie was calmer, patient, and gleefully participating. These stories are why I do this work.
And I’m not the only one who sees the impact:
“My daughters, ages 13, 11, & 9 all love to practice yoga with Ashley! She is a fantastic instructor with warm, gentle & uplifting energy that makes it easy for kids to connect with her and have fun learning how yoga is a wonderful experience for minds, bodies, & souls of all ages.”
—Annie
“My daughter and her friends attended Ashley's yoga class and they all loved it! The girls came out of class talking about the fun games they played that taught them about mindfulness and emotional well-being. They were all excited to sign up for another class! I appreciate how Ashley teaches emotional awareness in her classes. Her classes are a fantastic way for kids to learn about their bodies and emotions in a fun, supportive environment.”
—Lacie
These moments — the laughter, the stillness, the breakthroughs — are what I carry with me as a teacher. I’m not just teaching yoga. I’m offering children a safe space to be themselves. No competition. No pressure. Just presence and play.
Whether your child needs more confidence, focus, relaxation, or simply a space to express themselves freely — yoga offers a path.
Let’s raise a generation of joyful yogis who know how to breathe, move, and show up for themselves — just as they are.
Give your child a summer of growth, fun, and relaxation! Spaces are limited, so reserve their spot today.
