3 Tips to Manage Childhood Anxiety in our Kids Yoga Classes (Interview)
As educators and kids yoga teachers, we know firsthand the impact that childhood anxiety can have on young minds, particularly in our fast-paced, always-connected world.
The aftermath of the pandemic has only heightened the need for social-emotional learning and the integration of calm, grounding practices into our children’s daily routines.
To gain more insight into how to help children navigate their big emotions, I interviewed Margot Harris of Calm Cookie Yoga. Margot is a kids yoga teacher, an author, and the host of “The Anxiety Warriors Podcast.” She shares her insights on how yoga and mindfulness can transform the way we address anxiety in kids.
3 Tips to Navigating Anxiety in Kids Yoga Classes
In our interview below, Margot shares three tips aimed to help children navigate their emotions with grace and resilience:
1-Be Calm: Cultivating Curiosity and Self-Study
Margot emphasizes the importance of starting first with practicing active curiosity and self-study.
As adults facilitating a child’s learning and growth, we must first understand ourselves and our reactions.
This self-awareness allows us to remain calm and present, fostering an environment where children feel safe to explore their own emotions.
Actionable Strategy:
Begin by modeling deep breathing or a mindfulness technique before addressing the class. This demonstrates self-regulation and invites the children to join you in this practice. Encourage them to be curious about their own feelings and to reflect on what strategies help them feel more centered and calmer.
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2-Be Curious: Observing Children with Kindness
Margot reminds us that when working with anxious children, it’s crucial to observe behaviors with moderation.
It’s not just about taking a pause to notice what the child might be experiencing, but it’s about doing so with a gentle, non-judgmental attitude.
She suggests looking out for signs such as dysregulation, hyperactivity, over compliance, and exhaustion.
By remaining attentive and kind in our observations, we can create a safe space for children to express themselves, allowing us to better understand and support their needs.
Actionable Strategy:
Take a moment during class or at home to quietly watch children as they interact or engage in activities. Note any changes in behavior that may indicate stress or anxiety. Then, approach the child with compassion and a soft inquiry, such as, “You seem a bit quiet today. Is there anything you’d like to talk about or do that might make you feel better?”
3-Connect: Validating Children’s Emotions at Every Age
A critical lesson from Margot’s experience is the power of validating children’s emotions.
No matter how young, every child deserves to have their feelings acknowledged and respected.
Margot recommends sharing observations without adding interpretations, validating their feelings, and assuring children that it’s okay to experience strong emotions.
Actionable Strategy:
When a child expresses any emotion, validate it by saying, “I see you’re feeling [emotion], and that’s completely okay. Do you want to talk about it, or would you like to try something that might help, like a yoga pose or a breathing exercise?”
As highlighted in the interview with Margot of Calm Cookie Yoga, addressing anxiety in children through mindfulness and yoga is a multifaceted practice. It requires authenticity, presence, and a willingness to adapt. Her three tips offer a practical guide for fostering emotional intelligence and resilience in young individuals. By observing with kindness, cultivating self-awareness, and validating emotions, we empower children to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and ease.
Implementing these strategies in the classroom or at home can lead to positive changes, not only in the child’s life but also in the broader community. Let’s take inspiration from Margot’s wisdom and ensure that every child has the tools to grow into well-rounded, emotionally intelligent individuals!