For some people, practicing yoga is a chance to work on one's strength, balance and flexibility. For others, it is a time for relaxation, reflection and centering yourself.

But how about an opportunity to spend time with your children? Most probably don't associate the discipline with young people. But a local instructor is saying that more parents are bringing their little ones to yoga classes.

Local families will have some opportunities in the next few weeks to see for themselves.

A nonprofit organization is currently offering yoga classes specially designed for young children. And an area resident, who wrote a book about yoga for children, will give a lesson next week in Skaneateles.

Bonita Shear, a local yoga instructor, said the reason families are becoming more interested in the practice is simple.

“Children are very aware of what is going on,” Shear said last week after leading a class in Auburn. “When the parent is calm and centered, the child is, too.”

Shear is the instructor for a new program called Tree House Yoga. Taught through an organization called Branches, the class is a basic yoga routine for young children.

There are sessions for babies and toddlers, and children up to age 5. Because of the age of the clientele, Shear structures the class differently than one might think.

Most of the exercises are done to music. For the energetic songs, participants sing, dance and chant along to tunes about self-esteem and acceptance. There are also quiet, more meditative moments when Shear works on breathing and stretching.

While the young yoga students can be a handful, Shear said she loves working with children.

“Children are already tapped in to their surroundings,” Shear said. “As they grow up, that is when they tap out.”

Parents are asked to participate, as well, and it is mandatory with the youngest participants. Shear will give the parents postures and exercises they can do at home with their children for various benefits.

Karin Moskov, the director of Branches, said she participates in the class with her children, as well. One of the best things about doing yoga with your children she believes is that it builds the family bond.

“I think it obviously builds connectivity with your family members,” Moskov said. “And there are also things like balance, rhythm and strength.”

Moskov said she has been hoping to add a class like Tree House Yoga to the organization's schedule. Currently, Branches also offers programs like a Spanish language sessions, a sign language class for youth and babies, and Kindermusik programs.

But Branches is not the only place local residents can find out about yoga for their children. On Aug. 14, Skaneateles author Mary Humphrey will discuss her new book “Kids' Yoga Book of Feelings” and give a lesson for attending families. The discussion session will take place at Creekside Books & Coffee.

The book focuses on yoga's emphasis of self-affirmation and a calm state of being. The book helps to show how children can de-stress, while allowing them to empower themselves, according to Creekside spokesperson Erika Davis.

“She is going to do a fun, interactive talk,” Davis said. “We're always looking for children's events, and we thought this could be a nice summer activity for kids.”

Moskov said she is encouraged by the fact that there are yoga opportunities for children in the area. As Auburn and Cayuga County move forward with building theater and arts, programs like these are important additions, she said.

“People are hungry for this kind of stuff for their kids,” Moskov said.

Yoga for children

What: Mary Humphrey, author of “Kids' Yoga Book of Feelings”

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14

Where: Creekside Books & Coffee, 35 Fennell St., Skaneateles

Cost: $20

For tickets: Call 685-0379 or visit www.creeksidecoffeehouse.com

What: Tree House Yoga

When: 9 a.m. Fridays through

Aug. 29

Where: Champions For Life, 453 Grant Ave., Auburn

For more information: E-mail info@brancheskids.org