OK Parents (yes, this is good for you dads, too!) Let's get real. Yoga is not just for blonde, skinny, rich, white girls in their 20s. Yoga can help you become a better parent! Seriously! Hear me out.
I'm not here to try to "convert" you to the yogic lifestyle (although don't get mad at me if you decide to take your journey there...it's awesome). And I'm not here to try to convince you that implementing yoga into your daily life routine will make you a more patient and loving parent (it will, though). I am here to show you some poses that will help you in practical, day-to-day situations as a parent.
Consider this scenario: you are flying alone with your baby for the first time. You arrive at the airport, everything packed away expertly, your necessary documents in hand, baby gear organized and within reach. You check in, attendant gives you your tickets, and you make your way to the security line with a bounce in your step. This is going so well, you think. I can't believe it, you say. And then they ask you, "Ma'am, can you please take your baby out of the carrier?" You stand there, mouth hanging open. "But, but..." You look around. A young man is behind you, wearing those enormous headphones and wearing shoes that cost more than everything you've packed for your trip. You blindly reach your arms behind you, trying to unclasp the mechanism that binds your baby to you. Sweat starts forming on your upper lip. Everyone is staring at you. You finally cave and ask the cool guy behind you to unclip you. You hang your head in shame.
Here, I show you one simple pose called Cow Face Pose, although how it looks like a cow's face is beyond me.
*Here is an article on Cow Face Pose by Yoga Journal Magazine that explains more in depth what the benefits are of this pose and where it gets its silly name.*