Is cabin fever turning your children into crazies? As each week passes we seem to be simultaneously struggling AND adapting; that means that there are moments when your children are overflowing with built up energy and emotions. While there should be moments for being LOUD, for tons of movement, and for wild release, your child will also benefit from calm, quiet moments; to settle in and rest. Hopefully these poses will engage certain muscles to create a release of some built up, frustrated energy and guide them to find some moments of peace:
2 Options for Tree Pose.
Have your child start by standing strong with both of their feet planted firmly on the ground. Direct them to begin to place more weight on their left foot (balancing on the left foot). As they bend their right knee and bring the sole of the right foot to rest on the inside of the left ankle (for now, keep the right toes anchored on the ground). As they gain confidence in their balance, they can begin to raise their right foot higher: first to the inside of the left calf and then all the way up to rest on the inside of the left thigh. Have them fix their gaze gently on one, unmoving point in front of them as they reach their arms overhead (like the branches of a tree). Repeat on the opposite side.
Forward Fold with Clasped Fingers
Start with your child standing up with their feet parallel and about hip-distance apart. Have them bring their hands together behind their back and interlace their fingers. Direct them to take a deep breath in and look up at the sky. Then release into a forward fold; bending at the waist and letting gravity drop their head towards the ground. Once in forward fold, help them reach their interlaced fingers up towards the sky, pulling the fist up and away from their ears.
Rabbit Pose with Clasped Fingers
Have your child start this pose by sitting on their heels. Next, have them lace their fingers behind their back (as they did for the forward fold). Direct your child to slowly lean forward until they are able to gently rest the top of their head on the ground in front of their knees. Help them to reach their interlaced fingers up towards the sky and away from their ears. When they want to come back up, have them lower their arms first, before slowly returning to their original kneeling position.