How to teach yoga to children and keep their attention

A yoga session with a toddler is, of course, not the same as a yoga class in an ashram in India.

My intention with yoga for children is to offer a playful and gentle introduction that can open the door to lifelong well-being. Yoga is a way of living—one that is patiently waiting for them to explore.

It’s a path that invites balance: with others, with themselves, and with nature. A way of feeling whole, never separate. A world guided by patience, awareness, and loving-kindness, along with dedication, focus, and determination, to name just a few. Pretty valuable skills and qualities to nurture, right?

I believe that if children are introduced to yoga at a young age, and if that introduction is joyful and positive: they’ll return to its practices later in life. Maybe one day they’ll think:

'When I was in pre-school, we moved our bodies when we felt anxious, or we took 5 deep breaths. That stuff really worked, and still does!'

And maybe that same person will invite a friend to join a yoga class in their new student town, where fresh connections, lasting friendships, and inner balance can begin.

So yes—this yoga session with your toddler can (and should!) be playful!

Keep in mind: toddlers have a very short attention span, so plan accordingly. Children love predictability, so find a few elements that your child enjoys and turn them into a simple ritual.

Maybe your child loves helping set up the space—let them choose the location (outside, in the living room, under a tree). Or maybe they really enjoy singing “OM”—let them begin, and you follow their lead.

Doing things in the same order each time helps your child remember the routine, builds confidence, and fosters a sense of safety.

Here are a few playful components you can include in a toddler yoga session:

Set up the space

Introduce the virtue of Saucha (cleanliness). Together, tidy up before and after practice. Creating a clear space helps set the tone for mindfulness.

Say “Namaste”

Open the class by connecting with each other through this simple, respectful gesture.

Move your bodies

Try a few gentle postures or read a yoga story like “The Sunflower” and move along with it. Children love repetition—watch how their motor skills develop as they retell the story through movement.

And yes, join in yourself—they learn best when you lead by example. How good does that stretch feel?!

Rest in Savasana

Lie down together, breathe deeply, and fully relax. You can guide them through a body scan or a visual meditation like the ones in Yoga With Shanti.

Practice gratitude

Share something you’re grateful for and invite them to do the same. Teach them to see the world through a lens of wonder. “Grate-full, Great-full”—play with the words!

Sing “OM”

Singing opens the throat chakra and soothes the nervous system. In Western culture, we often forget the joy of communal singing.

Roll up the mats

Yes, even this can be a meaningful part of the practice! It teaches patience, problem-solving, and responsibility. Show them how to do it, but let them try. Rolling the mat can be a great challenge for their motoric skills!

Offer encouragement like: Thank you [name child] for rolling the mat all by yourself. Let's see how tightly we can roll it up together to make the mat  fit in the yoga mat- spot. 

Make mandalas

Create nature mandalas together. Use shells at the beach, leaves in the forest, or sticks in the grass. Let them go barefoot if the weather allows—sensory play and connection to nature are powerful! In the book 'Yoga With Shanti' you can read a full explanation on how to do this mindfully with your child.

Aromatherapy

Introduce gentle, safe scents to enhance the calming atmosphere. (Be sure to read up on what’s safe for toddlers.)

Start today!

As you can see, there are endless possibilities for yoga with children.

What’s most important is to offer a clear beginning and ending, and give them small choices along the way so they feel involved.

Let it be fun, light, and playful, with room for calm, listening, taking turns, and rest. Find the balance.

Maybe the entire session is only 10 minutes—that’s perfectly fine. Yoga should be free from pressure. Let it flow, and follow your child’s rhythm when it feels right.

If you don't know where to start, grab a copy of 'The Sunflower' and read this book together! This is a full yoga session in an interactive story!

This book is available in many languages!