Can I Bring My Child To Yoga With Me?

by Sunee LaClaire

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We are frequently asked if children are welcome to attend regular studio classes at YogaSole or our Prospect Park Summer Series. While we think that yoga can and should be practiced at all ages, the answer to this particular question is typically rather long. The shortest response is “It depends”. After being asked the question enough times, we thought perhaps we could expand our thinking in a blog entry so that we could explore the different considerations. 

Can I bring my child to yoga class with me?

It depends…

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… On the age of your child. 
Children’s yoga classes have a very different set up than adult yoga and they include songs and different names for the traditional yoga poses. Also they do not contain traditional vinyassa flow sequences.  We do not recommend adult classes for anyone under the age of 8, however children mature at different rates and really only you can say if your child is ready to attend adult style yoga classes. Teenagers from 15 or 16 are likely ready to start attending classes and can even be added to your class series or membership by purchasing the family flex version. 

… On the length of the class.
Even very mature children between 8 - 15 would likely be best sticking to 60 minutes classes versus 75 minute sessions. 

… On if they have practiced yoga before. 
If they are already familiar with yoga, they might enjoy attending a regular class with you more than if it is their first exposure to yoga. For beginners we recommend attending a special class or series for first time yogis or booking a private session. 

… On their attention span. 
If your child can sit and focus on one activity for an hour or more, they might be ready to attend a class. If they have not demonstrated that ability yet, perhaps a children’s yoga class is a better starting point. 

… On their ability to occupy themselves.
If they choose to opt out of any part of the class, will they be able to occupy themselves quietly so that you (and the other students) can still enjoy the practice?

If after thinking out the multiple considerations, you decide that attending a regularly scheduled yoga class with your youngster is still a ways off, we offer multiple other ways for you to practice together. 
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1. Book a private session.
   We offer both private small sessions for 1 - 3 people as well as private group classes. Communicate with us to see if your favorite teachers are available for a private session. 
2. Schedule a yoga party.
   We host all kinds of events. If your child is interested in yoga, perhaps their friends are too? We’d be happy to host a yoga party for a birthday, graduation, or any occasion. 
3. Join an after school yoga program.
   YogaSole is working on offering an afterschool yoga program in conjunction with PS 154. There are many other yoga programs for kids available throughout the borough.