Discover how yoga helps children manage emotions, build mindfulness, and find calm.
Explore simple breathing practices and emotional balance tips with Happy Feet Yogi, Dubai.
Ever woken up to the sound of your kids yelling, fighting, or refusing to get out of bed?
Some mornings feel like a marathon before 8 a.m., trying to get everyone dressed, fed, and
out the door while secretly wondering if they’ll ever understand what a gift a brand-new
day is.
Then comes the after-school scene: stories about who said what, who did what, or
sometimes, total silence. You try to connect, ask questions, play the 20-questions game just
to get a glimpse into their world, only to be met with the usual “good,” “fine,” and “ok.”
If you’ve been there, you’ve probably asked yourself, how can I support my child better?
What can I do differently?
The Modern Parent’s Dilemma
Hi! I’m Brinda Hora, founder, Heart & Soul of Happy Feet Yogi, a children’s yoga and wellness space in
Dubai.
Since 2020, I’ve been teaching yoga to kids aged three and above, from curious
preschoolers to moody tweens, and one thing I’ve learned is this: every child wants to be
heard. Their words matter, and so does their silence.
When we were growing up, we were rarely asked what we wanted. But today’s parents are
different. They want to nurture, guide, and grow with their children. Yet, the world today
moves fast. Kids are flooded with information, activities, and expectations, leaving them
overstimulated, overwhelmed, and unsure how to express what they feel.
And so, emotions spill out as tantrums, tears, or sudden bursts of frustration. And
sometimes, silence.
It’s not defiance; it’s a cry for balance.
Why Yoga Works for Emotional Regulation
When children practice yoga, whether it’s the “naughty fours” or the “quiet tweens,” they’re
given a safe space to be themselves.
Yoga helps them tune in, listen to their bodies, and understand their emotions before they
overflow.
It begins on the mat, but its effects ripple far beyond it. It shapes how children treat
themselves and others, how they reflect on choices, and how they learn to pause before
reacting.
Something as simple as Yogi Breath can make all the difference.
Sitting cross-legged, one hand on the belly and one on the chest, eyes closed, this moment
grounds them. They notice their breath, their heartbeat, their calm. With every
inhale, they learn to welcome peace and openness. With every exhale, they let go of
frustration, fear, and worry.
Sometimes, this simple breathing brings surprising clarity — answers to feelings they didn’t
even know they had. Over time, yoga becomes more than an activity; it becomes a part of
who they are, a mindful habit that travels with them everywhere.
More Than Just Another Class
Parents often tell me, “We’d love to, but there’s just no time. We already have swimming,
gymnastics, and tennis!”
Here’s what I tell them: Yoga isn’t another activity; it’s what helps them do everything else better.
Because yoga isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, mental, and soulful.
It builds focus, resilience, confidence, empathy, and gratitude. It will help you become a
better swimmer, gymnast or tennis player.
When practiced regularly, it supports growth, not just in flexibility, but in heart and mind.
Try This at Home: The Yogi Breath
Here’s a quick practice to do with your child when big feelings show up:
- Sit together cross-legged on the floor.
- Place one hand on your belly, one on your chest.
- Close your eyes (or keep them soft).
- Inhale deeply through the nose and feel your belly rise.
- Exhale slowly through the mouth and let your shoulders relax.
- Repeat 5–6 times together.
Make it fun by imagining breathing in calm air and blowing out stormy clouds.
You’ll be amazed at how this simple ritual can shift a mood, reconnect hearts, and bring
peace to even the busiest day.
Final Thought
Yoga teaches children that calm isn’t found; it’s created, breath by breath.
And when they learn this early, they carry that calm into every corner of their lives.
If this resonates, come join our Happy Feet Yogi community, where little feet find big calm
and every breath brings us closer home.
Happy Feet. Happy Heart.
