Gymnastics Class

[alotofyarn]

Today was our trial gymnastics class - I've been excited about this for forever! Well, it didn't go well. E LOVED the gym and all the fun stuff to climb on, but she didn't do well with the structure of the class, which was warming up in a circle, going around on the different setups in a follow the leader format, and then closing in a circle. She just wanted to run around and climb on everything freely. I really loved the class, and I'd love to keep taking her, but it was exhausting trying to keep her from being too out of line and holding up the other kids, some of whom are as old as 3, I think. The teachers and other parents were very encouraging and said she'd get there, but I don't know if we shouldn't just wait a little while longer to where she might follow directions better. I don't think I can pay by class, I think I'd have to pay the annual registration fee plus a full month, all which has to be drafted from a credit card. My friend came too with her 14.5 month old, and she did way better with the class format, despite being younger than E. They're used to going to music class and story time at the library, since she's a SAHM, so I don't know if that helps. So, I'm kind of torn, and really disappointed that it didn't go better.

[OrionGrad]

I'm sorry it didn't go like you'd hoped! The first time I took DS to soccer class (at 24 mos.) he was all over the place and I swore we wouldn't go back for the next "season." But over the course of the 10 weeks of classes he really got better at paying attention to the coaches, and I got better at reading his cues and knowing when he was about to go off track. Now 7 months later, he's doing so well the coach today recommended that he move into the 3/4s class.
It's tough since you have to prepay, but if u were you I'd stick it out. Just remember that the coaches have probably seen it all, and your DD sounds like her because is TOTALLY normal for her age.

[alotofyarn]

When she would cooperate, she really had a lot of fun - she loved jumping on the trampoline, climbing over things, and rolling down the wedges. And it was a workout for me trying to keep her in line!

The other option is trying out a swimming class first, and then trying gymnastics later. I need to call a couple of places and ask more about those.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I probably would opt out of a physical class like gym with such a big age range. Music or storytime are fine but how can E possibly keep up with 3 yo?

Swimming would be fun to get ready for summer!

[MrsC]

I would try again after 18 months. DS just wanted to run like crazy once he started walking and is just now setting down a bit. He turns 18 months next week. I'm thinking of doing a kindermusik class with him soon. Still debating the swimming lessons. I think we'll have to wait until closer to two but I definitely want him to get used to the water since we have a pool.
It's so hard to know what to do with them at this age! It's more about socializing and being around other kids for us but like you said, they want you to commit to 12 weeks of classes.

[OrionGrad]

I probably would opt out of a physical class like gym with such a big age range. Music or storytime are fine but how can E possibly keep up with 3 yo?

Swimming would be fun to get ready for summer!

That's true! Our soccer classes are grouped by every 6 months (18-24, 24-30, etc). On the other hand, our Music Together class has a huge age range and I think DS sometimes learns about proper behavior from watching the older kids, especially when he was younger. I dunno... I guess it just depends on what other options are available in your area and how much craziness you're willing to endure. But if your DD was having fun most of the time, I'd be inclined to go back.

[alotofyarn]

I guess it just depends on what other options are available in your area and how much craziness you're willing to endure.

This is the problem - there aren't any other options (music, baby gym, storytime) that fit into our schedule, and I'm not willing to commit to a weekend class.

[Thirteen]

I second the private swimming lessons. Pay as you go, learn a skill, tire out a kid.

There's no way we could have done anything organized at E's age, but B was wiggly and still mostly saying 6-10 words and signing.


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[alotofyarn]

In talking with my friend, we discovered that we can do a swimming class together with another friend at a local Y. So we're going to do that and revisit the idea of gymnastics in a few months. Part of what I'm looking for is to meet more people, but I think it will be easier when she's a bit more ready.

[SoonerTexan]

Yeah I'd say she is too young for anything organized except swimming lessons. And unless she has a fear of water, they are kind of a joke at that age too.


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[alotofyarn]

Last summer she loved the water. She still loves baths, her water table, and the sprinkler, so hopefully she'll still love the pool too. I think they do teach a few easy things, but mostly I just want us to do something together.

[scrub-jay]

Gymnastics Class

Resident swim teacher stepping in:
She and you would be in a parent-child lesson. Bubbles, basic kicking maybe, but mostly water comfort.

My advice: Get your head wet!!!! Kids will follow your example and the "afraid to get face wet" is one of the most common challenges for swim teachers once the kids are in group lessons. Kids often pick it up from their parents who don't really think about it. Dunking together is great fun, embrace it...it'll help them later.

[alotofyarn]

Resident swim teacher stepping in:
She and you would be in a parent-child lesson. Bubbles, basic kicking maybe, but mostly water comfort.

My advice: Get your head wet!!!! Kids will follow your example and the "afraid to get face wet" is one of the most common challenges for swim teachers once the kids are in group lessons. Kids often pick it up from their parents who don't really think about it. Dunking together is great fun, embrace it...it'll help them later.

Thanks! That's pretty much what I expected, but I think anything is going to be fun. That's a good suggestion with dunking - since it's at the end of the day, I won't be worried about going anywhere afterward, so hopefully I can just have fun with her.

[scrub-jay]

I love mommy & me swim classes. They are fun, especially in the evening when you can bring pjs & shorten the bedtime routine at home. Good teachers do some songs as a group and offer hints/tricks but let you play with different toys with your kiddo. It's also a good place to meet other working moms.

[oceanchild]

Parent-tot swim is a daddy activity in our house, but DS has done 3 sessions worth (starting at 6 months) and loved them. And he is great about putting his head underwater. Highly recommended.

Also, we tried parent-tot tumbling last fall (so, like... 16 months? 15?), and it was totally a disaster. I sympathize. We won't try that again until he's closer to 3.