Teaching Asteya to Kids: Cultivating Gratitude and Respect Through Yoga and Mindfulness

In a world filled with endless distractions and desires, teaching children the value of contentment and respect for others’ belongings is more important than ever. In yoga philosophy, the principle of asteya, or non-stealing, goes beyond simply not taking physical things—it encourages us to respect others’ time, energy, and ideas while fostering gratitude for what we have.  

By introducing asteya to children through yoga, mindfulness, and storytelling, we can help them build a strong foundation of integrity, generosity, and appreciation for the world around them.  

What is Asteya?  

Asteya is one of the five yamas, or ethical guidelines, in yoga philosophy. It teaches us to:  

- Respect others' belongings and space 

- Practice gratitude for what we have  

- Avoid taking more than we need 

- Value others' time and energy  

For kids, asteya can be explored in simple yet meaningful ways—like waiting their turn, respecting a sibling’s toys, or being mindful not to interrupt a friend.  

Why Teach Asteya to Children?  

Practicing asteya helps children develop:  

- Empathy: Understanding how their actions affect others.  

- Self-awareness: Recognizing feelings of envy or desire and responding with gratitude.  

- Integrity: Making choices that align with honesty and respect.  

When children learn asteya, they begin to appreciate what they have rather than always wanting more.  

Activities to Practice Asteya as a Family

1.The Gratitude Jar  

Encourage children to shift their focus from wanting more to appreciating what they have. Decorate a jar and have kids write or draw things they are grateful for on small pieces of paper. Over time, they’ll see how much abundance already exists in their lives.  

2. Yoga Poses for Contentment 

Incorporate yoga poses that encourage patience, grounding, and gratitude:  

   - Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Standing strong like a tree, children can imagine their roots connecting to all they have in their lives.  

   - Savasana: A great posture for reflection. Ask children to place a hand over their heart and think of something they are thankful for.  

3. The “Borrow or Take?” Game  

Present different scenarios and ask children to decide whether the action is borrowing, taking, or sharing. Examples:  

   - "Your friend has a toy you really like, so you put it in your backpack and take it home."  

   - "You ask your sibling if you can use their colored pencils and return them afterward."  

   - "You and a friend decide to play with the same puzzle together."  

This helps kids distinguish between respectful borrowing, sharing, and taking without permission.  

4. Mindful Listening Exercise  

Asteya isn’t just about objects—it’s also about not stealing attention or interrupting others. Practice mindful listening by having children pair up and take turns speaking for one minute while the other listens without interrupting. Then switch roles. This teaches patience, respect, and valuing others' voices.  

Picture Books About Non-Stealing  

1. The Little Red Hen (By Various Authors)

This classic folktale teaches children about fairness and the importance of contributing rather than taking. The story follows a hardworking hen who asks for help from her animal friends to plant, harvest, and bake bread. Each time, they refuse to help, but when the bread is ready, they all want to eat it. The hen, recognizing their lack of effort, chooses to enjoy the bread herself.

• Connection to Asteya:

  • The animals want to take the benefits of the hen’s hard work without contributing. This reflects the idea of taking more than one has earned, which goes against asteya.

  • It teaches children that we shouldn’t expect to receive rewards if we haven’t put in the effort.

  • Encourages fairness and responsibility—everyone must contribute to enjoy the results.

2. Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed (By Emily Pearson)

This story focuses on kindness and generosity, following a young girl named Mary who performs a simple act of kindness—giving blueberries to a neighbor—which sets off a ripple effect of good deeds around the world.

• Connection to Asteya:

  • Instead of focusing on taking, Mary gives freely without expecting anything in return, embodying the opposite of stealing.

  • The book highlights the idea that when we give rather than take, kindness multiplies, leading to a more abundant and fulfilling world.

  • It teaches children that abundance is created through generosity, not through hoarding or taking what isn’t ours.

These stories help children understand that respect, fairness, and giving create a more just and joyful world.

Bringing Asteya Into Everyday Life  

Teaching asteya is about nurturing a mindset of respect and gratitude. Encourage children to notice when they feel the urge to take something—whether it’s an object, attention, or time—and pause to reflect. Ask questions like:  

- “How would you feel if someone took something from you without asking?”  

- “What is something you have that you are grateful for today?”  

- “How can we show kindness and respect for others’ belongings?”  

By weaving asteya into everyday moments through yoga, mindfulness, and conversation, we help children develop a deep sense of respect for others and gratitude for what they already have.