Yoga for You and Your Child: The Step-by-step Guide to Enjoying Yoga with Children of All Ages

This new book, Yoga for You and Your Child, by Mark Singleton, is a welcome addition to the literature of teaching children yoga. It is unique in its approach, writing to parents and children together, inviting them to practise jointly. The book includes creative poses with enticing names like rocket, half moon, pigeon king, kicking mule, spider, big and little butterfly, cradling the baby, walking the dog, toad walking, and swamp monster. Singleton deftly describes yoga games including tag, obstacle races, whodunit yoga, and a day in the life, to keep a child’s interest focused on the practise. He not only explores the physical side of yoga, but includes information on teaching pranayama-the breath techniques of yoga, as well as meditation, relaxation techniques, the gift of attention, and an explanation of how yoga can be brought into the classroom.

The pictures and graphics in the book are engaging and beautifully done. The photos of children and parents practicing yoga together are not only easy to follow but capture the playful—and sometimes mischievous spirit of young yogis. If you are a parent, even if you don’t do yoga now, buy this book to inspire the practise of yoga at home with your child. If you do yoga, buy this book for a wealth of creative ideas and hours of fun reading.