05/18/2026
This is the question I get asked A LOT as a kids’ yoga teacher.
Challenging behavior in class is part of the gig. It happens to all of us. But there are a few things that have helped me over 20 years of teaching that I keep coming back to.
Come from a place of compassion first. The child acting out in your yoga class is most likely acting out everywhere else too. Keep this close: there are no difficult children, only children in difficult situations which results in difficult behavior!
Speak in the affirmative. Instead of stop, no, don’t, try telling them what you DO want. The mat stays on the floor. At the end of class you’ll get time to explore the props. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference.
Show them a different version of themselves. Class clown? Make them the leader. Have them demo the sun salutations. Kids acting out are usually just looking for attention. Give them the positive kind.
No magic formula works for every child. It’s always a little trial and error. But these three have never let me down.
Drop your go-to tips below. 👇
