If you’ve ever watched a toddler do a perfect downward dog in the middle of the living room, you already know kids are natural yogis. Mommy and Me yoga builds on that. It’s a playful class where toddlers and their grown-ups move, sing, play and breathe together, and it’s one of the sweetest hours in our studio.
Here’s what Mommy and Me yoga is, and why little ones love it so much.
What is Mommy and Me yoga?
Mommy and Me yoga is a parent-and-child class for toddlers and preschoolers. At Revolution Yoga, it’s for ages 2 to 5 with a parent or caregiver. Dads, grandparents, nannies and any other favorite grown-up are welcome too. The name is just what people search for.
It isn’t a regular yoga class with a toddler parked on the side. The whole class is built for the two of you together. We use movement, music, games and connection-centered yoga. Our motto for this class: mess optional, snuggles encouraged.
Why toddlers love Mommy and Me yoga
It’s play. Toddlers learn through their bodies. In class, poses become animals, trees and trains. We roar like lions, hop like frogs, and flap our butterfly wings. To a two-year-old, that’s not exercise. That’s the best game ever.
There’s music. Songs give toddlers something to hold on to. They start to recognize the songs week to week and often sing them at home.
Their grown-up is right there. For little ones, being close to their person makes new things feel safe. They can climb into your lap, watch for a while, then jump back in when they’re ready.
They get to be themselves. Nobody expects a three-year-old to hold a pose or sit still for long. Wandering, giggling and sudden snack requests are all part of it. Kids feel that freedom.
What parents get out of it
Honestly, the grown-ups get as much out of this class as the kids.
- Connection. An hour where your phone is away and your only job is to play with your child. That’s rare.
- Movement for you too. You’ll stretch, lift, balance and breathe. Toddlers make excellent (if wiggly) props.
- Calm tools you can use at home. Simple breathing games and quiet moments from class can become part of your bedtime or transition routines.
- Community. You’ll meet other parents of little ones in the area. Friendships happen.
Benefits of yoga for toddlers
We believe yoga can support children and families emotionally, physically and socially. For toddlers, that can look like:
- Coordination and balance, as they try new shapes and movements
- Early body awareness (where are my toes? where’s my belly?)
- Listening and following simple directions in a fun way
- Social connection with other kids and grown-ups
- Creativity and imagination
- Parent and child bonding
- Healthy movement habits from the very beginning
There’s no pressure to “get it right.” The goal is joy, connection and movement.
What a Mommy and Me class looks like
Every teacher brings their own flavor, but a class usually flows between songs, simple poses, games, partner movement with your child, and a short quiet time at the end. Some toddlers love that rest, and some would rather roll around. Both are fine.
What to bring: comfortable clothes for both of you, a water bottle and a small snack for after class if your child needs one. We practice barefoot. Mats and props are available at the studio.
What not to worry about: whether your child will participate. Some kids jump right in. Some watch for the first few weeks and then suddenly do everything. Both are completely normal. Your child is absorbing more than you think.
When your child grows up a bit
When your little one turns five, they’re ready for our Kids Yoga classes for ages 5 to 10, which use yoga, storytelling, breathwork, games and music to build confidence, mindfulness and emotional awareness. And if you’d like to keep practicing together, Family Yoga welcomes all ages on the same mat.
If a group class is hard to fit in, we also offer Mommy and Me privates, either at home, at the studio, virtually or outdoors. You can learn about those on our private yoga page.
Having a birthday soon? Our yoga parties are a fun way for little ones to celebrate while moving and playing.
Join us in Rockville Centre
Mommy and Me yoga happens at our studio at 7 North Village Avenue in Rockville Centre, on Long Island’s South Shore. You’ll find the current times on our schedule, along with prenatal, postnatal, kids, family and teen classes. Read more about all of it on our kids and family page.
Come play with us. Bring your toddler, your curiosity and your sense of humor. We’ll bring the songs.
