My 10-year-old daughter, Sophie, and I started taking yoga classes together this summer. Yoga has proven just as relaxing and revitalizing as I had hoped, and Sophie thinks it's just plain fun.

Since we started, I've read a lot about how good yoga is for kids. To learn more, I talked with Annie Mahon, director of the Budding Yogis program at the Mindful Yoga Studio on 39th Street NW (www.buddingyogis.com; 202-686-1104.) It's one of several local studios and fitness facilities that have spun off programs for kids; even some schools are beginning to introduce yoga into the P.E. curriculum.

Here's what Mahon had to say.

How can yoga help kids?

Kids are learning ways of releasing stress that are not healthful -- cutting themselves, substance abuse, eating disorders. Kids can learn yoga as an alternative means of coping. You can't not be engaged in the culture. But yoga offers a balance.

How young is your youngest student?

Right now, 2 years old. But we're starting a session for infants and mommies. The infants are almost like a prop.

And how many of your students are boys?

I would say about 5 percent. My son is the most active male yogi; he brings his friends in. I had one teenage boy, he only lasted one class, because it was all girls. It's a matter of getting over that hump of thinking it's a girl thing. But yoga obviously came from a male tradition. The ancient yogis were all male.

Do most of the kids in your classes do other sports?