It was only when Emma started going to preschool that I found the chance to have some one on one time with Sean. It was also at that time that I felt incredibly guilty for not doing it sooner. I mean by the time Emma was Sean's age (20 months) she had already attended swim classes, mommy and me classes as well as a couple of gym classes. I loved the idea of doing something with Sean but I wasn't crazy about spending an hour singing "The Wheels on the Bus" while trying to keep him on my lap.
So I turned to our neighborhood alternative to mommy and me, My Gym in Santa Monica. We had actually taken Emma there too. I found this place to be much more fun, not to mention it plays better music. Lots of Van Morrison and The Beatles, very little Barney and Raffi. Plus it offers a lot of hands on work that guarantees its participants a good sound nap after the class.
The 45 minute class begins with a short circle time during which concepts such as up, down, in, out, fast, slow, hi and bye are introduced. I was really surprised to see how much of this Sean retained after only one class. Circle time is followed by the "move of the week" which teaches a new skill such as a hand stand, or somersault. This is also a time for the instructors to work individually with each child. I couldn't believe that Sean, the clingiest child I know, actually left my side to go and participate. That really proved to me that the teachers had worked hard to make him feel comfortable.
The move of the week is then followed by free time to explore the entire room. The room is also changed around every week so it's always new. This My Gym (there are a few others throughout L.A.) has a really cool ball pit and slide. During this time the instructors are busy setting up a balance beam or balance mat to help the kids develop other skills.
About 15 minutes later, before anyone has time to get bored, the room is transformed into a sea of swings and for the next few minutes the kids can swing away or continue exploring. The swings go away as quickly as they came and now all are instructed to lay on the floor for ball shower.
What's a ball shower? The greatest thing on earth, if you ask Sean. You lay on the ground while someone pours a dozen or more balls on you. Oh, how sweet it is!
Next comes separation time. A personal favorite and one I think Sean can really benefit from. It's when new small toys come out and the children play while the parents step back and let them interact with one another.
After a quick clean up it's back to the circle for story time. The instructors gather all the children and relate a short story using puppets and music.
Finally, we all gather around the circle for the "bye bye" song and class is over. The kids get stamps put on their hands and feet and are sent home with a smile.
The overall experience was a good one for me but it really depends on the child and their personality. Emma, my 3 year old, loved the sitting and singing mommy and me stuff. Sean has definitely enjoyed the climbing and flipping a lot more than his sister did. I guess my best recommendation is to go and try a few classes before enrolling in one program. Most places offer a free class before you join and then just go with what your kids likes more. Just be prepared to sing "swish, swish, swish ".
