“Why I teach yoga to children”
An interview with Sam Bernice
“I am constantly drumming into my own children that the most important thing in their life is their wellbeing and mental health.”
As a primary school teacher, Sam Bernice understands that the biggest cognitive development happens in childhood years. That’s why she strongly believes in the importance of equipping children with tools that help them control emotions and find inner balance from a very early age.
Over the last few months, Honeypot has been working together with Sam on a series of videos, Yoga for children, which are now freely available on The Hive as part of our digital service offering. We spoke to her about her own journey and her motivation to teach yoga to children, and any tips she has for parents and kids that have never done yoga before.
When did you first have the idea to produce yoga videos for children?
The idea of producing yoga videos for children was born 3 years ago. Initially, my team and I had a project with a sports charity, however this project fell through due to funding issues. Other opportunities came along but intuitively, they did not feel like the right fit. In the summer, Honeypot contacted me about teaching virtual workshops to their children as part of their new digital services. I mentioned the video project, and we agreed to finish those together, and make them available to all children free of cost. Working with people who are in line with my values and helping children who really need to feel the benefits of this practice, feels like the greatest gift.
How do you hope children will use the material?
My intention for these videos is to enable younger carers to explore yoga in the comfort of their own home when they may not be able to access a “real” class. Over the years, I’ve introduced hundreds of children to yoga and breathing exercises and helped them to learn the simple pleasure a few quiet and relaxed moments can bring. I’ve made it my mission to introduce as many children as possible to yoga, with a playful and child-focused approach.
What do you think yoga can bring children?
I believe that the benefits yoga can bring children are transformational and teaches them vital skills for life. I previously worked as a primary school teacher and noticed how many children felt stressed, overstimulated, angry and low from a very young age. When introducing children to yoga for the first time, they typically feel anxious, worried or reluctant. A core part of my role is getting them curious to join a class and explore what yoga has to offer. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them getting involved and leaving a class saying they feel so much better. I notice first-hand how they are calmer, more energised and eager to continue their day.
Tell us about yourself and your background
I went into teaching at the age of 25 and became a dance and drama lead at my school. Back then, I was interested in yoga, but not on a professional level. I remember I did weekly yoga classes for stress management and started pregnancy yoga with my first child, but I then stopped and actually didn’t think about yoga for years. An important part of my story is that my husband suffered from serious mental health problems for many years, and took his life when our three children were all still quite young. It was an incredibly tough time and looking back, I really had lost myself during that period, just caring for everybody else. I didn’t realise the importance of making time for yourself and your own needs, however stressed you may be.
It was around then that a friend came back from India and introduced me to Sivananda yoga. I remember how she encouraged me to do a class together and I will never forget how I just felt so much of my stress and tension melt away. I can’t explain how healing it felt! This was when I knew that this is what I wanted for other people too. I want to help people find strategies to release tension in their own way. One day, these tools and yoga techniques might just save someone’s life. That is my drive. That is my passion!
Are there any tips you can give children and parents who have never done yoga?
Just give it a go and be open minded. And find a teacher who resonates with you. I have heard a lot about people who have not had great experiences because they either haven’t connected with the teacher or the type of yoga they were doing. For children, it is important to introduce them to yoga techniques in a fun and light-hearted way. It’s about making them curious. For adults, there are so many different types of yoga. If you keep exploring, you will eventually find one that resonates with you. At the same time, I also believe that the yoga that you really like, is not necessarily what you need. It’s important to listen to your inner self to hear what it is that you really need. And then make the time for it - you’re worth it!
