At Full Circle Yoga KC, we believe yoga benefits all stages of life and we are committed to offering classes that support in the big transitions of life. In our current busy, on the go culture, yoga can be especially helpful for the growing child. Read on to learn the 5 benefits of yoga for kids in the elementary years.

5 Benefits of Yoga for the Growing Child

If you have ever practiced yoga, mindfulness, or a pause in the overwhelm of life, you know how grounding it can feel. You probably found it to be a reset and a way to clear the mental clutter. Kids also need an outlet to shake off the chaos of the day to come back into their body and mind so they too can feel the benefits of being grounded.

These are some of the benefits of yoga for elementary-aged children:

1. Helps focus and concentration

Studies show that yoga enhances cognitive functioning in children, especially executive functions like attention, memory, and self-control. Yoga teaches kids how to center their attention within their own growing body, which can improve performance in school. If you observe your child breath into their body and feel the rhythm of breath and movement within their body, you can watch the change almost immediately.

2. Reduces anxiety and stress

Unfortunately anxiety is becoming more common in elementary aged children. The growing child needs a safe and quiet space to practice tools that can reduce anxiety and stress. And when these tools are learned and practiced at a young age, they can apply them as they grow. Research shows that in our overstimulated society yoga can reduce anxiety.

3. Supports physical health and motor development

If you’ve ever taken yoga, you have probably experienced improved strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Those are all benefits to the growing child too! It promotes healthy body awareness and can help prevent injuries by teaching safe movement. Increasing flexibility can help reduce injuries. It’s amazing to me how many sports related injuries I’ve seen at my daughter’s school, and can’t help but wonder if yoga was offered on a regular basis if less injuries would occur which would be far less cheering from the sidelines.

4. Builds emotional intelligence and self-regulation

Through poses, stories, and breath, children learn to recognize and manage their emotions. Yoga gives them tools for handling frustration, anger, or sadness constructively. Research finds it also allows them to listen inward to bring emotional balance and feel emotions in their body to better release tension.

5. Encourages social connection and empathy

Yoga fosters a sense of belonging and community. There is something profoundly powerful to share movement, breath, and calm in a collective space. Often times yoga classes for kids offers activities that encourage cooperation rather than competition, and opportunities to seek understanding others to build empathy.

Kids Yoga in Kansas City

If you’d like for your growing child to experience the benefits of yoga, you’ve come to the right place. Join us at Full Circle Yoga KC where we specialize in family-centered yoga! Explore Full Circle Yoga KC’s class calendar to reserve a spot for your kiddo in an upcoming preschool yoga class!

We’ve done it! We are settled into our new location and we can’t wait to welcome you! At Full Circle Yoga KC, we see our studio as more than just a place to move—it’s like gathering around a kitchen table for heartfelt conversation. A space where:
✨ Judgment and shame have no place
✨ Life transitions are honored with care and support
✨ Mindfulness is practiced, education is shared, and wisdom is gained

Heart of Kansas City

Our new studio continues to offer all the incredible classes we are known for: Prenatal Yoga, Parent and Baby Yoga (BYOB), Parent and Toddler Yoga, Preschool StoryTime Yoga, and Mind Body Fertility Yoga. Our 2025 wellness workshops- Prenatal Partner Yoga, Prenatal Partner Yoga and Massage, The Art of Birth, Puberty Power: Empowering our Girls to Celebrate and Embrace their Changing Bodies are also already filling up! As we embrace this new chapter and settle into our new space we will be offering additional classes and workshops. Stay tuned!

To celebrate, we’re offering a full day of FREE yoga classes!

📅 Grand Opening Schedule

🧘‍♀️ 9:00 AM – Prenatal Yoga
👶 10:30 AM – Parent & Baby Yoga (BYOB)
🏡 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Open House (Drop in, say hello, and leave your business cards!)
📖 1:30 PM – Preschool StoryTime Yoga
💆‍♀️ 2:30 PM – Adults-Only Yoga (Great for perinatal & postnatal caregivers!)
🤰 3:30 PM – Prenatal Yoga

MUST RESERVE FOR CLASS! LIMITED SPACE!

We’re beyond grateful for this community and the shared excitement around our new location. Come celebrate, take a class, and experience the warmth and energy of our studio. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Last week I asked a question in our prenatal yoga class about thoughts, wisdom, and desires around breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is often celebrated as one of the most natural and nurturing ways to nourish a newborn. It is a beautiful journey that fosters a unique bond between mother and baby, providing countless benefits for both. However, like any journey, it comes with its own set of challenges and learning curves. As we celebrate breastfeeding, it’s essential to acknowledge the importance of listening to your own intuition, being prepared for potential pitfalls, embracing it as a team sport, seeking support, celebrating small victories, and giving yourself grace along the way.

Trusting Your Intuition

One of the most powerful tools a mother has is her intuition. From the moment you hold your baby for the first time, an instinctive connection forms. This innate sense often guides you in understanding your baby’s needs, hunger cues, and comfort levels. Trusting your intuition can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding journey. While advice from healthcare providers, family, and friends can be invaluable, your inner voice is an equally important guide.

Being Prepared for Pitfalls

Breastfeeding can be challenging. From latching issues and sore nipples to concerns about milk supply and fatigue, it’s crucial to be prepared for potential pitfalls. Knowing that challenges are a normal part of the process can help you stay patient and persistent. Educate yourself about common breastfeeding difficulties and their solutions. Remember, seeking help from a lactation consultant or a support group is a sign of strength, not weakness. We are so fortunate to have amazing lactation consultants in the KC area such as Nurture Lactation, Heaven Sent Support, KC Well Nest and Peachy Births: Doula and Lactation Services.

Breastfeeding: A Team Sport

Breastfeeding is a collaborative effort between mother and baby. It requires patience, practice, and synchronization. Each baby is unique, and so is each breastfeeding experience. It’s important to recognize that both you and your baby are learning together. Celebrate the moments when you find your rhythm, and be patient when things don’t go as planned.

Taking Support Where You Can

Support is crucial in the breastfeeding journey. Surround yourself with a network of supportive individuals, whether it’s your partner, family, friends, or other breastfeeding mothers. Join breastfeeding support groups, either in person or online, where you can share experiences, ask questions, and receive encouragement. Healthcare professionals, such as lactation consultants, can also provide expert guidance and support. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Celebrating Small Victories

Every step forward in your breastfeeding journey is worth celebrating. Whether it’s the first successful latch, overcoming a breastfeeding challenge, or simply enjoying a peaceful feeding session, these small victories are significant milestones. Celebrating these moments can boost your confidence and reinforce your commitment to breastfeeding. Keep a journal to document your achievements and reflect on your progress.

Giving Yourself Grace

Breastfeeding is a deeply personal experience, and it’s important to give yourself grace. Understand that it’s okay to have good days and bad days. Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned, and avoid comparing your journey to others’. Every mother’s breastfeeding experience is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Give yourself permission to take breaks, ask for help, and make decisions that best suit you and your baby’s needs.

Adapting Your Plans for Well-Being

It’s important to remember that your wellness and the joy of motherhood are paramount. If you find that breastfeeding is significantly impacting your physical or mental health, it is perfectly okay to reassess and shift your plans. Whether that means supplementing with formula, pumping and bottle-feeding, or transitioning entirely to formula feeding, the best choice is the one that supports your overall well-being and allows you to fully enjoy this precious time with your baby. Prioritizing your health ensures that you can be the best mother possible, creating a nurturing and joyful environment for your child.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a remarkable journey filled with love, connection, and growth. By trusting your intuition, being prepared for challenges, viewing breastfeeding as a collaborative effort, seeking support, celebrating small victories, and giving yourself grace, you can navigate this journey with confidence and joy. As we celebrate breastfeeding, let’s honor the resilience and dedication of mother’s everywhere and support each other in creating a nurturing environment for both mother and baby. Remember, however you feed your baby is the right way for you and your little bundle of joy.