Parenting with Calmness: Yogic Tools to Handle Emotional Ups and Downs

Parenting is a beautiful journey but also an emotional rollercoaster. Yogic wisdom offers timeless tools to guide both parent and child with calmness, awareness, and connection.

Swadhyaya: Self-Study through Yogic Texts
Introduce your child to the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, or simple stories from ancient scriptures. These are life manuals, not preachings — offering clarity, joy, and strength. Share one verse a day and discuss its meaning simply.

Pranayama (Breathwork) for Emotional Regulation
Light a diya oil-lamp, preferable with clarified butter ghee, chant together, express gratitude before meals. These moments create rhythm, anchoring children in peace and mindfulness

Daily Yogic Rituals that Create Stability
Just 3 minutes of belly breathing, Bhramari, or Anulom Vilom, can soothe strong emotions. Teach children to use breath as a pause-button when overwhelmed. Make it fun – do it before school or during study breaks.

Self-Love: A Yogic Practice, Not a Luxury
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Respect your own needs – practise yoga, take time off in quietness, do what you love, do not be too harsh on yourself. Children learn self-worth by observing it in you.

Asana & Playful Connection
Yoga with your child can be joyful. Try simple partner poses or join a family yoga workshop — build strength and bonds together.

Respond, Don’t React
Pause, breathe, and then speak—your calmness teaches more than your words. Use a soft tone instead of raised voices. Share stories or examples instead of scolding.

Early Morning & Bedtime Wisdom
Wake them with love, not loudness. Begin with a diya and affirmations like: “I am calm. I am strong.” After school, let them unwind silently. At night, chant together — soothing close to the day.

Daily Yogic Parenting Routine

Article by Rashmi Kedia