Yoga DVDs for kids

Like piano, tennis and, well, just about everything else, it takes practice to master the art of yoga. Not to fear: A well-made instructional DVD can help your child get a handle on the basics. It's also a great way to burn off energy—or wind down—at home. Together with my daughters Addie Elizabeth, 6, and Beatrice, 4, and my niece, Caroline, 7, I tested six options to see which provided the best stretches and the most fun.

Best for first-timers 
Lazy Lizards Yoga for KIDS!
Thanks to an intro reminiscent of Sesame Street's "Sunny Day," this title makes tykes feel like they're part of the gang. During the warm-up, instructor Hanna Smith gets kids limber by asking them to cook pretend pizza and trot just like a pony. While children gracefully move like trees blowing in the wind and butterflies slowly fluttering away, her calm voice-over explains the poses.
Beatrice says "My favorite stretch was when I got to make the pizza. I put pepperoni and orange cheese on mine."
$18; at lazylizardyoga.com. Ages 3 to 7.

Best for group instruction 
Yoga for Families: Connect with Your Kids
Leader Ingrid Von Burg guides children through combinations of postures: Little ones are encouraged to make animal noises when they mimic lions, monkeys and cobras. Partner poses—like the lean-on-me tug-of-war, which the girls' grandmother helped with—gave everyone a chance to practice teamwork.
Beatrice says "I really liked playing toesies with my grandmother. That was fun."
$15 at amazon.com. Ages 4 and up.

Best for solo stretching 
Yoga to Go for Kids!
Although she thought the box looked more amateurish than the others, my six-year-old loved this workout so much, she practiced on her own. The directions were easy to follow and touched on every detail. Shot simply with a single camera and just two children and the instructor in view, the DVD made Addie Elizabeth feel like she was having a private lesson.
Addie E. says "I loved the up dog and I didn't need any help."
$13 at amazon.com. Ages 3 to 9.

Best for educational entertainment 
YogaKids
Part interactive workout video and part nature show, this DVD intersperses traditional yoga instruction with clips of animals in the wild and abit of natural history. A handful of flexible kids demonstrate each stance, instilling confidence in even the youngest yogis.
Beatrice says "I like the volcano. I like erupting with lava."
$15 at amazon.com. Ages 3 to 6.

Best for preschoolers 
Wai Lana's Little Yogis
Wai Lana croons playful tunes before each pose in an effort to help kids remember the moves. The songs also helped my brood stay engaged for the entire routine.
Caroline says "My favorite was the butterfly. It's easy to do—and fun."
$13 at wailana.com. Ages 3 to 8.

Best for a real workout 
Yoga by the Dozen
Enthusiastic Broadway vet JoAnna Ross has kids follow her lead as she stretches into zany positions like the half-moon and the crow. The postures were difficult, yet no one felt embarrassed; most of Ross's helpers were still learning, too.
Addie E. says "This is hard. She's so good at balancing."
$18 at yogabythedozen.com. Ages 2 to 6.