Parent to Parent: Stress & Yoga

WSVN -- These kids are ready to de-stress after a long day.

Melissa Couvertier: "Their day is so packed and so busy that sometimes they want to come into class and just completely relax."

Children ages six to 11 flock to the Midtown Athletic Club in Weston to wind down with yoga.

Instructor Melissa Couvertier says yoga teaches kids flexibility, balance and coordination and also how to breathe.

Melissa Couvertier: "They don't realize the rhythm their own body has just listening to their own rhythm to calm themselves down sometimes."

Helene says school and activities can get her daughter Brianna stressed out.

Helene Kafka: "It's something we talk about every day."

But she noticed after yoga her normally chatty child is unusually quiet.

Helene Kafka: "It just hit me without her really coming out and telling me that she was just relaxed."

7's parenting expert Dr. Valerie Goode says it's important for parents to recognize that just like them their kids get stressed out.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "We do see a lot more stress these days than we saw before. Kids don't have as much time to play as they used to have."

Dr. Val says kids are constantly in motion and that may make it harder for them to focus. She says activities like yoga will help them to slow down.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "It helps the child concentrate and focus on where they are right now."

Mekaley has a lot going on in school right now.

Mekaley Wood: "I'm running for President because I'm in student council."

But after her favorite yoga pose she says she couldn't be more relaxed.

Mekaley Wood: "You feel like you're in paradise. I feel like a noodle."

And Melissa says another big benefit of yoga is you don't have to be the best you can just be.

Melissa Couvertier: "All of them walk out feeling like they accomplished something."

Lynn Martinez: "Dr. Val says if your child's pattern of behavior changes like their sleeping habits or their grades start slipping, those are signs of stress and you should talk to them about it."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Midtown Athletic Club
2300 Royal Palm Boulevard
Weston, FL 33326
Tel: (954) 384-2582
www.midtown.com/weston