Little Flower Yoga for Kids: A Yoga and Mindfulness Program to Help Your Child Improve Attention and Emotional Balance

Harper, founder and director of the New York–based national organization Little Flower Yoga, explains the general tenets of yoga, as well as the elements of her program in this parent- and child-friendly guide. The interrelated traditions of yoga and mindfulness, Harper asserts, can help children learn awareness and self-regulation, relieve stress, and increase focus. The core of the book is devoted to the five Little Flower components: connect, breathe, move, focus, and relax. The sections provide yoga poses (asana), breathing techniques, and meditations, and are clearly illustrated so parents can readily follow and teach. Harper also walks readers through the eight limbs of yoga, and clearly explains how yoga strengthens “the thoughtful brain” (the prefrontal cortex) so children feel “calm, safe, secure and unconditionally accepted.” Advice on how to bring yoga off the mat and into other parts of a child’s life (school, friendships) is also offered. Written with clarity and compassion, Harper’s guide will inspire parents and educators to use the tools of yoga to help children overcome daily stress and live with greater emotional balance; the text is also likely to prompt adult readers to step up their own yoga practice. (Nov.)