Stretch into spring: growing like a flower

Wake up your body for spring with some simple yoga stretches. Encourage your child to join in, showing them what to do as you move into each pose.   

Remember to only do what feels comfortable for your body, and your child. We recommend finding a calm space with plenty of room to move. You can do these simple yoga stretches on a yoga mat, or use a rug, playmat or towel to soften the ground beneath your feet. If you’re between spring showers head outside and do some gentle yoga outdoors in the garden, or even in the park.  

• Sitting comfortably, breathe deeply in and out. It can help to put a hand on your tummy and feel it moving in and out as you breathe to centre yourself. 

• Become a bulb. Move into child’s pose by bringing your legs up so you are kneeling with your feet under your bottom. Gently curl your body over your knees. You can rest your arms by your sides, or stretch them out past your head. Breathe in deeply and feel your body relax as you breathe out. 
• Sprout up to the sky. Bring yourself to a standing position, with your feet slightly apart. Feel the ground beneath your feet and stretch up towards the sky, hold your palms together and raise both arms above your head. Breathe deeply and look up, say “hello” to the world. 
• Bend in the wind. Imagine the wind gently blowing, bend forward and allow your arms to dangle down. Imagine them gently blowing in the wind. If you’d like to, reach down to touch the ground in front of you.  
• Blossom into a flower. Move into a sitting position, get comfortable and gently allow your legs to fall open so that the soles of your feet are touching and your knees are pointing outwards.  Breathe in and out, stretching your spine. Reach forwards and place your palms under your legs just above the ankles. See if you can balance on your bottom and left your feet off the ground to bloom like a flower.  

If your child is feeling calm and relaxed, take a moment to both lie on your back. Get comfy and close your eyes. It is okay if your little one is most comfortable wriggling around a little. Listen to the sounds around you and take turns to name what you hear, or talk about how your body feels after the stretches.