5 Yoga Poses for Preschoolers to Promote Relaxation, Focus, and Physical Strength
Life can feel busy, even for preschoolers. Helping them find moments of calm and clarity can be greatly beneficial in helping them navigate the rush of daily life. Yoga is a gentle, fun way to do this, teaching children how to relax, focus, and connect with their emotions.
In this blog, we’ll share five simple yoga poses for preschoolers. Each pose encourages relaxation, builds focus, and introduces mindfulness in a playful, engaging way.
What are yoga poses for preschoolers?
Yoga for preschoolers involves simple, child-friendly poses that help develop physical balance, mental focus, and emotional relaxation. It’s a creative and enjoyable way to promote well-being in young children through movement, breathing, and mindfulness.
1. Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
This pose is perfect for introducing mindfulness to your preschooler. Have your child sit cross-legged with their back straight, hands resting gently on their knees, and eyes closed.
Guide them to take slow, deep breaths while imagining a happy place, like a beach or a garden. This helps them centre themselves and calm their thoughts.
Why it’s beneficial: Easy Pose encourages relaxation and improves posture while teaching kids the basics of mindful breathing.
2. Cat-Cow Stretch
This fun, animal-inspired pose is a favourite among preschoolers. Begin on all fours, with hands and knees firmly planted. Guide your child to arch their back up like a cat (Cat Pose) and then dip their belly down while lifting their head (Cow Pose).
Repeat the movements in sync with slow breaths. As with all yoga poses, it’s a playful way to promote gross motor skills with mindfulness.
Why it’s beneficial: Cat-Cow Stretch improves spinal flexibility and encourages focus through controlled breathing.
- Insight: Anxiety is increasingly common in children, with one in fourteen aged 4 to 17 in Australia experiencing an anxiety disorder. Yoga supports emotional resilience and calmness, offering effective tools to manage anxiety through mindful practices—learn more here.
3. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Help your preschooler stretch and strengthen their body with this classic yoga pose. Show them how to place their hands and feet on the ground, forming an upside-down “V” shape.
Encourage them to hold the pose while pretending to be a playful puppy or even wagging their ‘tail.’
Why it’s beneficial: Downward-Facing Dog builds strength in the arms and legs while enhancing coordination and balance.
- Insight: Research shows that yoga improves preschoolers’ attentional control and behavioural regulation—key components of self-regulation essential for academic success—Learn more here. It is also important in developing emotional-social learning—explore our guide on the benefits of emotional-social learning in early childhood.
4. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Child’s Pose is the ultimate pose for relaxation. Have your child kneel on the floor, sit back on their heels, and stretch their arms forward as they rest their forehead on the ground.
Guide them to take deep breaths, imagining their worries melting away. This comforting pose provides a moment of quiet and calm.
Why it’s beneficial: Child’s Pose soothes the mind, stretches the back, and fosters a sense of security and restfulness.
5. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Introduce this fun and easy pose by asking your preschooler to sit on the floor with the soles of their feet touching. Encourage them to hold their feet and gently flap their knees like butterfly wings.
This playful activity doubles as a yoga pose, promoting flexibility and focus.
Why it’s beneficial: Butterfly Pose stretches the hips and improves concentration while encouraging imaginative play.
Why Yoga Matters for Preschoolers
Yoga for preschoolers isn’t just about poses; it’s about creating moments of connection, mindfulness, and joy. These simple exercises help children build focus, reduce stress, and develop physical strength—all while having fun.
By incorporating yoga into their routine, you’re giving your preschooler the tools to navigate life’s challenges with a calm and centred mind.
Ready to Begin Your Yoga Journey?
Start exploring these poses with your preschooler today! Whether it’s a playful Cat-Cow Stretch or a relaxing Child’s Pose, yoga is a wonderful way to spend quality time together. Discover more mindful activities and parenting resources to keep the inspiration flowing.
At Little Miracles, we love how yoga helps preschoolers grow strong physically and mentally, fostering resilience and mindfulness. Contact us to explore how we can help support your child’s holistic development!
Sources: Dovepress ; Yoga U ; Children’s Health Queensland
