Resilient Kids Class - Yoga for Children & Play Therapy

RVN Wellness in Port Moody, BC offers a supportive program for children who are navigating the many pressures of modern life. From school expectations and home dynamics to bullying, social media, and the nonstop pace of the digital world, today’s kids face challenges that can feel overwhelming. This program is designed to help them grow with more independence, resilience, and joy through a fun, creative, play-based experience.

Building on the success of the Young Ravens Yoga program, this play therapy-inspired group combines yoga with intentional, evidence-based activities that support emotional growth. Led by a Registered Social Worker and Yoga Instructor, each session blends movement, games, art, and music to create an engaging space where children can strengthen self-reliance and develop healthy ways to manage big emotions.

Weekly sessions help create a steady, caring environment where children can build skills over time. This consistency supports emotional well-being and gives participants the chance to form safe, meaningful friendships while feeling connected and included. For older children, the Resilient Tween & Teen Programs are also available.

Families can also take part in Resilient Families, a yoga-inspired play therapy group where parents and children explore the benefits of yoga and shared experiences together. This offering supports stronger family bonds and creates a collective approach to the challenges young people face today.

Ages:

See the schedule for current Resilient Kids classes. Classes are available for ages 4 to 17, and all gender identities are welcome. A Resilient Girls class is also offered.

When:

Once a week, 45-minute sessions, with drop-off beginning 15 minutes before class starts

Duration:

Registration opens each season: Fall, Winter, Summer, and Spring

Cost:

Refer to the registration page

Instructor:

A Registered Social Worker/Yoga Instructor

Program Details:

• A blend of movement, games, art, and music in a play therapy format.
• Focuses on resilience, self-reliance, and coping strategies for emotional regulation.
• Encourages connection with self, peers, and family.

Shaping a Brighter Future: Benefits for Your Child

• Resilience & Confidence: Support resilience, focus, and self-esteem from an early age.
• Creative Play: Enjoy imaginative and uplifting yoga sessions.
• Safe Space: Grow in a secure, nurturing environment.
• Community Building: Build lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.
• Emotional & Social Skills: Develop valuable tools for emotional and social well-being.
• Crystal Collection Journey: Each class adds a special crystal to a personal collection.

Our Approach & Principles

1. Body Autonomy: Children are never pressured to take part in anything that does not feel right in their bodies. They are taught how to safely say no.
2. Body Awareness: Our programs support a strong sense of body awareness.
3. Social/Emotional Learning: Social and emotional learning is woven into every activity.
4. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all children.
5. Lila (Divine Play): Lila, or divine play, is central to our approach and helps nurture joy and resilience.
6. Anti-Bullying Policy: We uphold a strict anti-bullying policy to maintain a safe and caring environment.
7. Open to All Abilities: Children of all abilities are welcome, and no prior experience is required.
8. Participation: Children are invited to come as they are and join in at a pace that feels comfortable.

About Our Instructor: Dawn Slykhuis

Dawn Slykhuis is a yoga instructor and therapist with years of experience in child mental health at RVN Wellness. As a Registered Social Worker and Yoga Instructor, she creates play-based learning experiences that integrate yoga, breathwork, and meditation with evidence-based practices for mental wellness and social-emotional learning (SEL). She works with a wide range of needs, including ADHD, neurodivergent children, and children on the autism spectrum. Dawn also provides one-on-one therapy for teens and kids, offering counselling for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges children may face. RVN Wellness welcomes all identities, races, abilities, and backgrounds in a nurturing environment that celebrates diversity and belonging.

Registration & More Information

View the Kids and Family Yoga Classes below and click on a class to register.

Late registrants will be prorated for the remainder of the term.

Private sessions are available for mental health or substance use concerns.

Additional class times may be available for groups of three or more children.

For frequently asked questions about the kids programs, please refer to the FAQ section.

Schedule

Resilient Girls (ages 7 to 11): 4:00 - 4:45 pm

Resilient Kids (ages 4-8): 5:00 - 5:45 pm

Resilient Tweens & Teens (asana focused) (ages 9-17): 6:00 - 6:45 pm

Resilient Kids Workshop Series (ages 5-10): 3:30 - 5:30 pm (select weeks)

Join our RVN Wellness Community in Port Moody!

More than a yoga studio, this is a sanctuary for young minds and hearts, helping families move through life’s complexities with greater calm, strength, and resilience. Families from Vancouver’s Lower Mainland are welcome, including the Tri-Cities (Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam), Balcarra, Anmore, Burnaby, and New Westminster.