You can use lots of together stretches inside of a toddler yoga class which can be done with parent and child.  The idea behind this is to create a relationship of trust and bonding between yogi and parent in your yoga classes and in turn create confidence within your yogis.

Parent and Me Downward Dog

Toddlers to assume downward dog position using “Hands Down Head Down” command. Once they are this position, parent then assumes a downward dog over the toddler or to the side.  Parents can start first so that the toddler copies.

Super Toddler

With the parent laid upon their back, ask them to raise their legs tucking knees into the chest.  Carefully lift the toddler onto their feet with the toddler’s chest to parent’s feet and ask parent to raise the legs vertically taking the toddler with them.  The teacher shoulder support the child around the chest and back area so the toddler is stable whist in the air.  Once the toddler is up vertically ask the parent to put their arms out as if to fly and the toddler should mimic.  Always with the support of a teacher.

Chair Pose

Parent to lay upon their back with knees tucked into the chest feet facing the ceiling.  Lift the toddler to be seated upon the parents feet facing the parent.  The parent ensures they hold the toddlers feet to secure the position.  Teachers must support the toddler around the waist.  Encourage the child to put their arms out stretched as if flying.

Downward Dog Tunnels

Tunnels can be created from parents in downward dog position. Use about 4-5 parents all lined up in the position and encourage the toddlers to crawl through the tunnel.

Lizard on a Rock

Parent adopts rock pose, lay with head tucked in and arms by head.  Teacher to help toddler sit upon bottom of parents back then lay back down parents back, so head to head.  Parent takes hold of toddlers hands.  Hold for 5-10 seconds, always with support of another parent or teacher. Do not overstretch.

Cobra

A lovely stretch for the spine, with the toddler on their tummy this can be done in a circle which insinuates a snake pit.  Encourage the parents.  Hands are positioned either side of the chest so that the child can push up lifting their head and chest from the floor hips stay close to the floor.  A game can be played where the children count to 3 patting their hands on the floor and then after three they raise into cobra pose hissing as they do.  Repeat a few times.

Block Balancing

This can be done in two ways in older toddler classes. With the toddler upon their backs laid in front of their parent, ask the child to raise their legs with feet together facing the ceiling.  Place a yoga block upon the child’s feet asking them to stay as still as a tree, count for 3-5 seconds letting the block sit upon the feet.  This can be done with the child sitting spine to parents chest or child and parent facing and balance the block upon the parent and the child’s head again balancing for 3-5 seconds.  In older toddler classes ‘tree, stork, superman’ can be practiced upon the block and a simple mountain pose whilst the parent supports.  Bean bags can also be used for this.  Encourage toddlers to balance them on their heads and have races with parents.