The Best Yoga Poses for Developing Children's Balance
18.12.25
Balance is more than just standing on one leg, it’s a skill that supports your child’s physical coordination, concentration, and confidence. One of the most enjoyable and effective ways to improve balance in children is through yoga. It allows them to move their bodies, stay focused, and practise patience, all while having fun.
In this post, we’ll explore four of the best poses for balance through yoga for kids, each featured in our new video “Balancing Poses with Hanu.” These poses are simple enough for beginners, but powerful in how they help children grow stronger, steadier, and more self-aware.
Star Pose
Why it's great for balance
Star Pose encourages children to feel grounded and strong while exploring how to control their body weight. It builds awareness of where their body is in space, an important part of developing balance and coordination.
How to do Star Pose
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Begin by standing tall with your feet wide apart.
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Stretch your arms out to the sides at shoulder height, forming a star shape.
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Press both feet firmly into the ground and feel strong through your legs.
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Ask your child to lift one foot slightly off the floor to challenge their balance (optional).
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Take a few deep breaths, then switch sides if trying the one-foot variation.
Tip: Encourage children to imagine they are a bright star twinkling in the sky or a tall star-shaped tree in the jungle.
Half Moon Pose
Why it's great for balance
Half Moon Pose helps children build dynamic balance while also strengthening their core, legs, and ankles. It encourages focus, posture, and body control as they extend in multiple directions.
How to do Half Moon Pose
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Start standing tall, then shift weight onto the right foot.
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Place your right hand on a block or gently reach toward the floor in front of your foot.
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Slowly lift the left leg straight behind, keeping it parallel to the ground.
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Reach the left arm straight up to the sky to open the chest.
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Hold the pose for a few breaths, then gently lower down and switch sides.
Tip: Remind children it is okay to wobble or use a wall or helper at first. That is how we learn.
Tree Pose
Why it's great for balance
Tree Pose teaches static balance, staying still on one leg, which helps with posture, focus, and muscle control. It also helps children practise patience and calm breathing while standing tall.
How to do Tree Pose
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Stand with feet together and arms by the sides.
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Shift weight onto one foot.
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Lift the other foot and place it gently on the inner lower leg (or thigh if they’re able, never the knee).
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Bring hands together at the heart or reach them up like branches.
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Focus on one spot to help balance and hold for a few breaths before switching sides.
Tip: Turn it into a game. Can they be a swaying jungle tree like Hanu?
Dancer Pose
Why it's great for balance
Dancer Pose challenges children’s concentration, balance, and flexibility all at once. It helps build strength in the legs and core while encouraging children to focus on their breath and movement.
How to do Dancer Pose
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Begin standing tall.
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Shift weight onto one leg.
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Reach back with the same-side hand and grab the ankle or foot.
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Extend the other arm forward and gently kick the back foot into the hand.
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Find a point to focus on and hold steady, then switch sides.
Tip: Let children imagine they are a dancer or flying bird balancing through the jungle sky.
Watch Hanu Demonstrate These Poses
Want to follow along with your child? Watch our short video “Balancing Poses with Hanu” to see these poses come to life in the jungle with Hanu as your guide.
Why Balance Matters in Kids Yoga
Balance is not just a physical skill. It also helps children:
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Develop stronger focus and coordination
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Improve posture and muscle control
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Build confidence through trying and trying again
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Learn how to steady their breath and emotions
With regular practice, children learn that balance takes time, effort, and calm, and that it is okay to wobble as they grow.
Join the Adventure with Hanu Moves
At HanuMoves.com, we bring yoga and mindfulness to children through storytelling, play, and movement. Explore our yoga mats, storybooks, and free videos, all designed to help children feel strong, calm, and confident.
Let’s move, breathe, and grow together.
