Yoga for youngsters

"Child's pose" takes on a whole new meaning at the Happy Elephant Yoga School (201-788-5031, www.happyelephantyoga.com), a Franklin Lakes-based studio that offers private and group yoga to kids and families alike.

"Child's pose" takes on a whole new meaning at the Happy Elephant Yoga School (201-788-5031, www.happyelephantyoga.com), a Franklin Lakes-based studio that offers private and group yoga to kids and families alike.

"The things kids can get out of yoga are really phenomenal," says founder and certified yoga instructor Jenny Tanis, "from improving coordination and strength to building self-confidence and learning tools to calm themselves down when they're angry."

Little ones ages 2 to 4, for example, can try "Itsy Bitsy Yoga," a playful blend of yoga-based postures and games. Bookworms-in-training might enjoy "Storytime Yoga," which gets kids ages 3 to 5 moving as an instructor tells a riveting tale. Thirteen- to 17-year-olds can learn to reduce stress with "Hatha Yoga for Teens," and your whole clan can enjoy some shared peace with "Family Yoga."

Classes are held in Tanis' Franklin Lakes home studio ($30 for 45 minutes), students' own homes ($50 for 45 minutes) or at local community centers (prices vary).

"My kids just love yoga now," says Suzanne Finan of Wyckoff, whose children Steven, 11, and Megan, 8, take lessons at the Wyckoff Community Learning Center. "My daughter's flexibility is incredible, and my son uses relaxation techniques at bedtime. A lot of it has to do with Jenny being so well-trained and positive."