Insider Tips on How to Strengthen Family Bonds Faster Through Yoga

From power struggles, arguments and stress into connection, empowerment and understanding – how? Here are some insider tips from a mum of two and family yoga teacher.

In this blog post, we’ll explore insider tips on how to leverage family yoga to strengthen your family bonds faster than you ever thought possible. From role reversal to observing learning styles and embracing imperfections, these strategies will help you create lasting memories and cultivate a strong sense of togetherness within your family.

Powerless and Stressed

One reason kids can feel stressed is because they feel powerless. I think about some recent conflicts I’ve had with my own children – they were both angry because they were being forced to go to school one morning. They had no power over that decision. Another time, my youngest was annoyed he had to go to bed, and he didn’t get a say – no power. My eldest had struggles with a crowd pushing over his bike for the third time – he felt powerless.

Feeling powerless can hit kids hard, no matter their age. From tiny tots to teens, that loss of control can be a major stress trigger, sending them into a tailspin of fight, flight, or freeze mode. It’s like their whole world is spinning out of their grasp, and it’s a tough spot to be in.

Role Reversal

But here’s where role reversal in our yoga practice can help – giving them a chance to reclaim a bit of that power. Suddenly, they’re not just following orders; they’re calling the shots, leading the way, and feeling like they’ve got some say in the game. It’s a game-changer, a chance to flex those empowerment muscles, and a sweet reminder that even when life feels like a rollercoaster, they’ve still got some control over the ride.

In family yoga, we like to co-create. See, we’re the ones usually calling the shots, right? But in yoga with our kids, it’s a whole different story. Suddenly, we’re either on a level playing field and letting them lead the way too. It’s not just about doing the moves; it’s about stepping into each other’s shoes, seeing things from a new perspective, and deepening that bond. Plus, it’s a sweet reminder for both parents and kids that it’s okay to switch things up sometimes – in yoga and in life. We have a lot to learn from our children.

Lessons from our children

It is important for children to lead the way in our yoga practice, we may have a lot to teach them but we also have a lot to learn. Family Yoga creates a beautiful balance of teaching, learning and of course – practicing.

Children get a lot of say over our yoga practices together. Sure I may have a theme picked out, sequences and the games. Everything may be planned but there is also space.

It’s like navigating the busy platforms of the London Underground, constantly reminded to “Mind the Gap.” The platform symbolizes the space we create for our practice, the train represents our intended yoga lesson or activity, and the gap embodies our child’s unique input, ideas, and creativity. Just as we stay mindful of the gap between the train and the platform for safety, in yoga with kids, we honour and cherish the space between our plans and their spontaneous expressions. Embracing this interplay not only strengthens our bond with them but also fosters a deeper understanding of their learning style, allowing us to co-create magical moments of connection and growth on and off the mat.

Imperfections

Embracing imperfections in our yoga practice, both on and off the mat, is a profound lesson in acceptance and resilience. Some days, despite our best intentions and well-laid plans, our kids may not feel like participating, leading, or even engaging in what we’ve prepared.

It’s easy to feel disheartened or frustrated when things don’t go as planned, but it’s essential to remember that a “bad” practice does not equate to failure. In fact, these imperfect moments offer us invaluable opportunities for growth and learning. They teach us flexibility, patience, and the art of letting go of our expectations.

Instead of allowing setbacks to throw us off our game, we can choose to embrace them as part of the beautiful, messy journey of parenting and yoga. By accepting imperfections with grace and compassion, we not only deepen our own practice but also model resilience and adaptability for our children, nurturing a mindset that serves us both on and off the mat.

Togetherness

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you’re not just practicing yoga with your children; you’re creating lasting memories and fostering a deep sense of togetherness within your family.

Each playful pose, mindful breath, and shared moment becomes a building block for stronger connections and cherished experiences. As you navigate the ups and downs of family life together, Family Flow will provide you with the tools, guidance, and support to infuse your days with joy, calm, and meaningful connection.

Join us in Family Flow today and embark on a journey of growth, bonding, and wellbeing for your entire family 😍

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