Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Worner
Hi Emma, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My path to teaching kids yoga wasn’t exactly traditional, but looking back, it all makes sense.
In need of a serious mental health reset, I left college during my junior year, stepping away from the pre-med track to pursue yoga teacher training in Bali, Indonesia.. I thought I’d be teaching adults—but it didn’t feel right. It wasn’t natural for me, and I wasn’t finding the fulfillment I hoped for. So, I shifted gears and started nannying. That’s when everything clicked.
Even in the most nurturing and loving homes, I noticed that kids had moments of being completely dysregulated—overwhelmed, frustrated, restless. I knew what I would do for myself in those moments, but how could I translate those self-regulation tools into something children could actually understand and use? That question sent me down a rabbit hole of research, training, and hands-on learning. I started weaving mindfulness and movement into daily routines, and the difference was undeniable. The kids became calmer, more in tune with their emotions, and better able to navigate their feelings.
That’s when I knew: this is what I’m meant to do.
I’ve always been playful at heart—there’s no way I could ever do a desk job. Kids bring so much joy, curiosity, and silliness into life, and I knew that if I was going to dedicate my time to something, it had to be something I truly enjoyed. Teaching kids yoga gave me that. It allowed me to merge movement, mindfulness, and play into something meaningful.
Yoga with kids isn’t just sitting still and breathing—it’s full of energy, imagination, and laughter. We stomp like dinosaurs, balance like flamingos, and stretch wide like starfish. We turn poses into games, navigate obstacle courses, and play “The Floor is Lava.” Breathwork might look like blowing bubbles, and stillness comes in the form of a cozy savasana story.
But beyond just loving the work, I also understand how powerful these tools are. As a kid, I struggled with anger, and as a young adult, I dealt with anxiety and depression. If I had been taught these kinds of self-regulation skills earlier, I know I would have had more control over my emotions and decisions. That’s what drives me now—giving kids access to tools that support them, not just in class, but in everyday life.
For me, teaching kids yoga isn’t just about movement—it’s about empowering kids with lifelong skills. It’s about building confidence, resilience, and self-awareness in a way that feels fun and natural. And I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road! Starting and growing a kids’ yoga business has come with its fair share of challenges. In the beginning, one of the biggest hurdles was simply getting people to understand what kids’ yoga actually is—that it’s not just about stretching or sitting still, but about movement, play, and self-regulation. Convincing parents and caregivers that it’s worth trying, especially when it’s not as common as other kids’ activities, took time.
On top of that, running a business is a whole different skill set from teaching yoga! I had to figure out marketing, registration systems, pricing structures—you name it. There were moments when I felt completely overwhelmed, wondering if I was doing things “right” or if people would even sign up.
But despite the obstacles, every time I see a child light up during class, feel proud of themselves for trying something new, or use a breathing technique to calm down, I know this work is worth it. The challenges have only made me more determined to keep growing, reaching more families, and making kids’ yoga a fun and accessible part of their lives.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about COLORS Yoga for Kids ?
I run a kids’ yoga business that is all about movement, mindfulness, and play. My classes go beyond traditional yoga poses—they are designed to be fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, meeting kids where they are. Through movement games, breathwork, and creative storytelling, I help children build confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
I specialize in yoga for young children, including ages 2-12, with classes tailored to different age groups. My approach is flexible and child-led, meaning we might be balancing like flamingos one moment and going on a jungle yoga adventure the next. I also offer mobile yoga classes, bringing sessions to homes, clubs, teams, schools, daycares, and community spaces to make yoga more accessible for families.
What sets my business apart is that I don’t expect kids to sit still and follow a rigid sequence. I embrace their energy, curiosity, and need for movement, blending mindfulness into their natural play. Whether it’s turning poses into an obstacle course or using yoga to act out a favorite story, I make sure every class is engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate—not just mini versions of adult yoga.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the impact my classes have beyond just the time we spend on the mat. I see kids cheering each other on, sharing gratitude at the end of class, and forming real connections as they move and play together. But what’s even more powerful is seeing how they use what they’ve learned when it really matters—in those big, overwhelming moments. Parents tell me their kids pause and take a deep breath instead of melting down, practice a calming pose when they feel frustrated, or remind their siblings to “breathe like a balloon” when emotions run high.
Seeing yoga become a tool that helps kids navigate their feelings—not just in class, but in everyday life—is what makes this work so meaningful to me. I also love creating opportunities for families to experience movement and mindfulness together, whether through special events or simple ways to make yoga more accessible at home.
For me, it’s about making these tools fun, accessible, and something kids actually want to do—both in class and in their everyday lives. If you’re looking for a playful, movement-filled way for your child to build confidence, mindfulness, and self-regulation, I’d love for you to join a class!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of my favorite resources is Dr. Becky Kennedy, psychologist and author of Good Inside. I love how she teaches connection-based leadership—the idea that kids are far more likely to listen, cooperate, and regulate their emotions when they feel connected to the adult guiding them. She emphasizes that kids’ emotions are real and valid, but they don’t get to run the show—it’s our job as leaders to provide both support and structure.
That perspective resonates deeply with how I approach teaching kids’ yoga. If a child is struggling in class, connection comes first—not control. I don’t expect kids to regulate just because I tell them to. But if I’ve built trust, playfulness, and engagement, they’re far more open to the techniques I offer—whether that’s a breath to help with frustration, a movement game to work through restlessness, or just a simple moment of one-on-one attention before rejoining the group.
Dr. Becky often says that kids don’t take guidance from adults they don’t feel connected to, and I see that play out in my classes all the time. The more joyful, interactive, and relationship-based I make yoga, the more kids want to participate—not because I’m forcing them, but because they feel safe, seen, and supported in the space.
Beyond that, I’m constantly learning by observing kids in real time—seeing what helps them self-regulate, when they need movement vs. stillness, and how they naturally apply these tools in their own way. That’s what keeps my teaching evolving.
At the end of the day, I want kids to leave class with skills they can actually use in real moments of frustration, overwhelm, or restlessness—but more importantly, I want them to feel good about themselves while they do it. When kids feel truly seen and connected, they don’t just comply—they want to engage, to listen, and to use the tools that help them navigate big emotions.
Pricing:
- In Studio 4-Week Session (30 minutes) – $45
- In Studio 4-Week Session (50 minutes) – $57
- Daycare/School 10-Week Session (30 Minutes) – $95/child
- Daycare/School 10-Week Session (60 Minutes) – $160/child
- Private Session (60 Minutes) – $55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colorsyoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorsyogaforkids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561081828821
- Other: contact@colorsyoga.com
