Holistic Sports For Your Kids

Does your child suffer from anger outbursts, hyperactivity, fear and anxiety or seem tired and listless? Do you want a calm and happy child who is full of life? If this story sounds familiar you might want to consider introducing a holistic sport to your child's daily routine.

A holistic sport is one which nurtures all the areas of your child’s development – the physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects. These sports include yoga, pilates and tai chi.

While you might be thinking there's no way on earth you could teach your child one of these sports have faith, anyone can do them and yes you can teach your child as no experience is necessary!

First let’s take a look at the benefits of teaching a holistic sport to your child; a holistic sport helps your child learn in a multi-sensory environment through kinaesthetic, visual and aural senses.

Bodies are strengthened and flexibility is developed. Attention span, concentration and focus is increased. Stress is reduced. Balance, co-ordination, digestion and sleep is improved. Whole brain stimulation occurs.

Children learn to listen to their bodies and their inner selves which, develops respect for one’s self and this overflows into respecting others. Wow! Those are amazing benefits but let’s not stop there; if you are teaching your child both of your communication and listening skills are fine-tuned, you develop a stronger bond and both of you will be a lot calmer. The number one benefit is that a holistic sport is FUN!

A session can take anywhere between 10-60 minutes and can be incorporated into your daily routine. All you really need is an imagination to put a great session together.

Here’s an example; grab some cotton wool balls from your makeup cupboard, ask your child to lie opposite you on the floor and blow the balls to him/her and ask them to blow the balls back. Now ask your child where in their body can they feel the breath coming from; their tummy or their chest? This little game will cause your child to stop and listen to their body and the breathing in and out will help to calm them down.

Now imagine that you’re going on an outing to the beach, ask your child how they would like to get there; should you run, cycle or take the car? Put your choice into action and pretend that you are on your way to the beach. Once you get to the beach squat down low and on the count of 3 jump over the waves. Jump onto your surfboard and do some tricks. Next pretend to be some sea creatures like crabs, dolphins, sharks, whales etc and end your session in a starfish pose by lying on your back with your arms and legs spread out wide. Take a few deep breaths and if you want you can do a quick meditation. Voila, you have just completed your first yoga session!

There are many great resources out on the internet that you can use to teach your child yoga, pilates or tai chi, just Google them and remember to have fun, exercise doesn’t have to be a bore. By keeping fit through a holistic sport you will be working your whole body and at the same time be calming your mind. Give your child a great head start to healthy living today.

Author Natalie is an intuitive healer, author, copywriter and yoga instructor and owner of Holistic Kids.