Little Bodies, Big Feelings: Why Yoga Is Great for Ages 2–6
Preschoolers are full of energy, curiosity—and sometimes, really big emotions. Yoga gives young kids a playful way to move their bodies, connect with their breath, and begin learning how to calm themselves when things feel overwhelming.
For toddlers and preschoolers, yoga isn’t about perfect poses—it’s about having fun, building body awareness, and starting to feel safe in their own skin.
What the Research Tells Us
1. Yoga helps with self-regulation.
Even at a young age, yoga and mindfulness practices can help children start recognizing their emotions and slowing down before reacting. A 12-week preschool yoga program showed improvements in focus, behavior, and emotional control.
2. It supports motor skill development.
Yoga helps build coordination, balance, and core strength—foundational skills for early physical development. Simple poses like tree, butterfly, and downward dog are great for growing bodies.
3. It reduces stress and supports sleep.
Gentle movement combined with deep breathing can lower stress levels in kids. Research shows that children who practice mindfulness-based activities sleep longer and more restfully.
It's Not About Doing It "Right"
One of the most beautiful parts of yoga with young children is how naturally they take to it. They don’t worry about alignment or performance—they stretch, breathe, giggle, and connect. When we let go of expectations and join them in the moment, yoga becomes a shared experience of joy, curiosity, and presence.
References
Telles et al. (2013). Yoga in school settings: A review of evidence-based research.
Frontiers in Pediatrics (2021). Yoga intervention in preschool improves motor and emotional skills.
Britton et al. (2021). Mindfulness training improves sleep in children. Stanford University.
