You may have come across the idea of yoga for children, but Josephine Jacob, who shares her journey on Instagram as @yoga_mami, elevates this practice by showcasing incredible poses alongside her two sons.
A delicate balancing act
In one striking image on her Instagram feed, Jacob performs a stunning wheel pose while her youngest son executes a cobra pose on her abdomen. In another snapshot, both boys participate: her eldest serves as the base for Jacob’s crow pose, while her youngest balances playfully on the back of her neck.
With a background as a trained yoga instructor, Jacob received her 200-hour certification three years ago and has also trained as a yoga teacher specifically for children. Originally from Munich, Germany, she has made Vancouver her home for the past 14 years. We had a chance to connect with Jacob to explore her motivations behind the acrobatic poses and gather insights for other parents.
Q: What motivated you to include your children in your yoga sessions?
A: Practicing yoga at home has always been part of my routine. From a young age, my kids have seen me do yoga and would often jump on my mat, so involving them came quite naturally.
Q: How did you encourage your sons to try more challenging poses?
A: They have no fear and find it incredibly fun! Although sometimes they don’t take my suggestions seriously. My older son has become a bit more cautious, and as he’s growing heavier, balancing him on my back is getting trickier. Meanwhile, my younger son is open to trying almost any pose.
Q: Your photos are truly inspiring; have you faced any major mishaps during your practice?
A: Definitely! I’ve had countless yoga mishaps—too many to count. I even share some of these moments on Instagram; they usually involve plenty of laughing and falling.
Q: Do your children have a favorite yoga pose?
A: They tend to enjoy downward-facing dog and tree pose the most. My older son prefers being behind the camera and likes to review the photos before I share them. My younger son, on the other hand, thrives in front of the camera and loves striking poses.
Q: Has including your kids in your yoga practice positively impacted your own journey?
A: Absolutely! I’ve developed a greater sense of patience and learned not to take my practice too seriously. It’s all about enjoying ourselves and exploring new experiences.
Q: How would you sum up your family in five words?
A: Quirky, humorous, loving, supportive, and full of energy.
