Yoga for Kids: Discovering Confidence Without Comparison
The best way to explain confidence and competition to a child is through a story.
Once upon a time, there were two friends—Lotus and Butterfly—just like our yoga poses, where both are beautiful in their own unique form.
One sunny day, Lotus and Butterfly went for a walk in the park. The sun was shining warmly, so they decided to rest under a tree near a pond.
Lotus said, “I will freshen up in the water so I can shine better.”
Butterfly said, “I will flutter around the pond and look at my reflection. I love seeing my colors sparkle in the sunlight.”
After some time, they walked back to where they had started.
The next day, Lotus asked,
“Butterfly, am I better than you?”
Butterfly smiled and replied,
“I am much better than I was yesterday.”
As you read this story with your child, you can pause and reflect together: Who is noticing their own growth? Who is looking outward for validation?
Lotus represents comparison—looking to others for reassurance.
Butterfly represents confidence—looking inward and appreciating personal growth.
Just like in kids yoga, Lotus Pose and Butterfly Pose don’t compete—they simply exist, breathe, and bloom in their own way.
Confidence on the Yoga Mat
Hi, I’m Brinda Hora, Founder and Author of Happy Feet Yogi, a community created to help children discover confidence, self-belief, and emotional awareness.
In almost every kids yoga class, children notice and ask:
“Am I doing better than the next one?”
“Did I win this round?”
My response is always the same:
“You are doing better than you did last time.”
Yoga is not a competition—it’s a space for children to explore, notice, and celebrate themselves.
Experiencing Confidence
For children, confidence is felt and noticed, not measured:
- Listening to their body
- Honoring their own pace
- Celebrating their effort
It’s about trying, wobbling, falling, and getting back up with curiosity and joy. When a child balances in Tree Pose after falling three times and still wants to try once more—that is true confidence.
Through stories, movement, and mindful play, children can experience courage, teamwork, trust, and joy, all while having fun.
Exploring Competition with Awareness
Healthy competition can sometimes motivate children, but too much focus on winning can distract them from self-awareness and growth. In kids yoga, children explore:
- What it feels like to stretch toward the toes
- How their balance shifts
- The joy of trying, regardless of the outcome
Instead of dictating rules, we guide children with gentle questions:
- Why do you want to win?
- Is it for recognition, a prize, or personal pride?
- How does it feel if you don’t win?
- Can effort itself be celebrated?
Through this reflection, children begin to notice the difference between confidence and comparison, discovering that growth comes from themselves, not from others.
Takeaway: The Real Competition is With Yourself
Yoga teaches children that the only real “competition” is who they were yesterday.
When kids learn to:
- Listen to their body
- Honor their own pace
- Celebrate effort
…confidence grows naturally, without comparison.
Just like Lotus and Butterfly, every child is meant to shine in their own unique way. Yoga provides the space for them to notice, explore, and embrace that difference every day.
Stay Connected with Happy Feet Yogi
If you’d like to continue this journey with your child, find Happy Feet Yogi on YouTube and Instagram for simple yoga practices, mindful stories, and tools that support children’s everyday lives.
For classes, collaborations, or to learn more, feel free to reach out—we’d love to have you as part of our growing community.
Happy Feet. Happy Hearts ❤️