boat pose

Find an open space, preferably on a carpeted area or on a yoga mat. Sit next to your child with your legs extended out in front of you. Straighten your spine, bring your shoulders down, and bend your knees, pressing your feet into the floor. Grasp the back of your knees. With your spine straight, press your sit bones into the ground. Lean back, and lift your legs. If your core is strong, release the grip, straighten your arms, and lift them straight up. Straighten your legs with your toes pointed up. Viewed from the side, you should look like a "V," or a boat!

Hold the pose for five deep inhales and exhales. To make it really fun, row your arms and sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" while holding the pose. Or, if you're a sailboat, sing "Sail, Sail, Sail Your Boat."

To rest, release and bring your feet down, keeping your knees bent. With a straight spine, lower your arms at your sides, with your palms pressing into the ground.

Repeat 2-3 more times.

seated twist

Sit cross-legged facing your child. Inhale and straighten your spine. Place your right arm behind you along your spine with your fingers spread open and away from you and your palm pressing into the ground. Reach your left hand over to your right knee. Twist and gaze over your right shoulder. On the inhale straighten the spine and on the exhale twist a little more. Hold the pose for 5 inhales and exhales. Slowly revolve back to neutral and reverse direction.

Inhale and straighten your spine. Place your left arm behind you along your spine with your fingers spread open and away from you and your palm pressing into the ground. Reach your right hand over to your left knee. Twist and gaze over your left shoulder. On the inhale straighten the spine and on the exhale twist a little more. Hold the pose for 5 inhales and exhales. Slowly revolve back to neutral.

Twists are excellent ways to help detoxify the body. Do two more rounds on each side for a good wringing out.

bunny breath

Sit comfortably across from your child, either cross-legged or on your knees. Straighten your spine and wiggle your nose like a bunny. Make the sign of peace with both hands, then bring your fingers to the top of your head on both sides like bunny ears. Keep your mouth closed and inhale quickly through your nose 4-6 times. Then exhale a long, soft, drawn-out "sh" from your mouth. Do this three or four more times.

This is a great way to energize and to awaken your brain in preparation for knowledge.

star pose

Find an open space. Stand facing your child with your feet together and your big toes touching. Root your feet into the floor with your arms hanging at your sides. On the inhale, jump out, with your feet wider than your shoulders and your arms stretched high in a powerful "V." On the exhale, jump back to standing. Do this five times, then rest. Do this two or three more rounds.

Remind your child that he or she is a shining star giving light to the world.

happy baby

Find an open space on a carpeted area or a yoga mat. Lie on your back next to your child with an arm's width between you. Bring your knees in toward your chest. Wrap your fingers around the soles of your feet with your thumbs on top. Open your legs up with your knees pressing against your armpits and the soles of your feet facing the sky. Then rock side-to-side on your back, holding your feet firmly.

Enjoy being that happy baby again!