Stress and pressure is not exclusive to adults. Children, in today's environment, are also under a lot of pressure and stress. Pressure and stress build when they are expected to excel in school and participate in a variety of activities in and out of the school environment. They also experience the added pressure of trying to be liked and accepted by their peers. Added to already mounting pressure and stress is the fact that many children are obese. They do not measure up to the expectations of parents, teachers or their peers and are often labeled ADD, ADHA, LD, BD and segregated from their peers. However, the real problem often is other letters, TV, VCR and PC. These modern devices have become a real problem when it comes to children. Children spend hours working their thumbs in front of a TV, VCR or PC but precious little time out in the fresh air, getting exercise and interacting with other children. This form of activity has become a built in babysitter for many families. According to P.E. 4 Life, a group that promotes fitness for kids, fewer than 1 in 4 children get 20 minutes of vigorous activity daily.

Yoga builds strength in the body and in the mind. Yoga helps children and adults to release stress in the mind and tension in the body. Through the practice of yoga, children learn how to cope with stress and tension. They also learn to know, understand, respect and love themselves and others. They learn to face challenges and resolve problems that come their way.

Yoga can offer children:

A healthier body ? a way to start moving their bodies in ways that make them feel and look good physically as well a mentally. They will become stronger, gain endurance and become more flexible.

The ability to control stress ? practicing controlled inhalation and exhalation of the breath in the performance of a posture will teach the child control, how to relax and how to stay focused. These coping tools a by-product of a regular yoga practice will help them to deal with everyday situations.

Increases self esteem ? children with low self esteem do not have to deal with the added pressure of trying to measure up for Yoga is a non-competitive activity As a child begins to master different poses they become more confident in their abilities. This confidence carries over to other areas in their lives. The strength, flexibility and confidence yoga builds can also help the child, if they decide to participate in a competitive activity or sport, to avoid injuring themselves...

Greater concentration ? the main component of any yoga practice is breath control and inward focus. Children learn to concentrate better while controlling inhalation and exhalation of the breath and using their minds to focus on using the breath properly during a pose. A number of studies have shown that many children who practice yoga, especially with problems such as ADD, ADHA, are able to concentrate for longer periods.

Yoga practiced in a class setting or at home should be fun, especially if the children are very young. Let them imagine they are a cat, while doing the cat pose, let them purr or meow or bark like a dog when doing downward dog. Make yoga a game and they will not realize how much benefit they are getting from the practice. They will only know they are having a good time. Do yoga along with your child; make it a daily, quality time, routine; teach your child by example.

Yoga for children should be a fun activity, one that they will enjoy doing in addition to helping them grow stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.