How early is too early..?? (NOT about food lol)

Meghan - posted on 12/14/2010

I think it is a great idea. Not only will he be able to burn off some energy (ya right, it seems to be never ending) but the social interaction and benefits of having another person as an authority figure (coach, instructor, teacher w/e the case) imo can help to build confidence and social skills.

Sandra - posted on 12/14/2010

Two is most definitely not too young. I've had my son in multiple Mommy and Me classes since he was 4 months. Music, gymnastics, swimming....

Before pregnancy, I was actually the Program Director for a children's soccer program. The program I oversaw, started at 18 months. And was extremely successful and ridiculously tired the kids out. It was an indoor soccer arena and they got to run the length of it during various mommy/daddy assisted activities.

I'd try looking for something like that, something that has lots of running around!

Bonnie - posted on 12/14/2010

The gymboree idea is a good one. I have seen many parents put their babies in swimming lessons. I've also seen 2 year olds involved in hockey and soccer as well. They are obviously placed with other children within their age group in case that is a concern.

Mary - posted on 12/14/2010

I'm jealous...there is NOTHING that cheap around me. There isn't even a nearby Y for swimming lessons - we'll be stuck with some overpriced "kid's first swim" place this spring =(

Cassie - posted on 12/14/2010

Kiera is turned two in October and she has been taking gymnastics since then. We do a mommy and me class for 45 minutes once a week. We love it. It's great for Kiera to meet other kids her age and it's nice for me to meet parents who live near me. Her class costs $100 every 8 weeks.

Amie - posted on 12/14/2010

It shouldn't be too hard to find him something. The trick is finding something cheap, in case he doesn't like it and wants to try something else.

Our 3 year old has taken dance and mano mano. She didn't like either. She loves pre-K though. So that's something at least. lol

We didn't use our community association for these things, we could have but we went around looking. Our older two are involved in activities and through them we found cheap, shorter courses for toddlers offered at these places.

Becky - posted on 12/14/2010

I've had Cole in swimming lessons since he was 11 months. Well, okay, he's only been in them twice, not steadily. But we started at 11 months. The university here offers gymnastics for kids starting at age 2 and I'm thinking of enrolling Cole after Christmas, if I can get dh on board. Of course, by that time, he'll be almost 3. It's a parented class and I think it's more about just learning about the equipment and playing, with songs and games, not really all that structured. I know some places start offering parent-child dance, music and art classes as young as 18 months, or even younger. Soccer on the other hand, doesn't start until age 3 or 4 here. (I've heard 3, but only ever seen 4) So no, I don't think 2 is too young, as long as you're putting him into something he's developmentally ready for and keeping a close eye to make sure he's enjoying it. And not overscheduling them, of course.

Dana - posted on 12/14/2010

Ethan's swim class is $40 for 6wks, not bad at all but, his the tumble class was absurd! That was also a big contributor in deciding to wait until I'm sure it will be beneficial.

Jackie - posted on 12/14/2010

Oh, I forgot to mention Allison's class was only $45 for a 10 week class and they even do a little showcase at the end.

Dana - posted on 12/14/2010

Oh, just read through the other posts, the class offered for Ethan is not a mommy and me class. She specifically told me they want the parents to sit off to the side and NOT be involved. Fairly stupid if you ask me...

Dana - posted on 12/14/2010

I don't think it's too young. Ethan has been in swim class since he was 6 months. I called our local gymnastic place and they have a class for him but, it's 15 kids with two teachers, I don't he'll sit still and listen to them. I'm going to wait until he's older for that one.

Chatty - posted on 12/14/2010

Just wanted to add that all the programs that I enrolled Roxanne in were not too expensive. The programs are run through our local rec center. Typically each program is once a week for 8 weeks and cost b/w $32 - $40....not too bad and then you get to enroll them in a variety of different things.

Chatty - posted on 12/14/2010

It's absolutely NOT too early! If they offer classes, programs or courses for his age group then have at 'er! Roxanne is 27 months and she's already been in swimming twice, soccer, gymnastics (haha, not REALLY gymnastics) AND I've just enrolled her in T-ball for the spring. Can't wait!

Oh ya, and she has also done this PRE preschool program where they introduce them (with parent participation) to what a classroom would be like. They have to bring a snack and they also got to run around. It was awesome!

LaCi - posted on 12/14/2010

I think 2 is a great age, and I regret not getting nico into something sooner. But in the next month or so I'm putting him in tumbling, at the very least. I wish they had more for 2 year olds, but most of the activities around here start at around 3. Tumbling and toddler dance classes are about all the physical stuff I've found. So that's what he'll get :)

Mary - posted on 12/14/2010

Yeah, none of this stuff is cheap. We pay $100.00/month. This gets us two classes/week, and the opportunity for 3 "free gym" hours/week, where she can just run around and play on all the stuff with any other kids (of various ages) who happen to show up. We honestly only do that maybe once a week - and only since it's gotten too cold to do anything outside. For us, it has been worth it - she adores it, and it really has taught her some great social skills. I enjoy the other moms, and although I think I'm the only mom that does this, I like that trampoline as much as she does!



One of the things that we do that is free is the weekly storytime at the library. It's not the physical activity that you're looking for, but after the 1/2 hour stories (and some of this is songs with activity), most of the kids stay for at least a half hour to play with the toys in the kids section. Just the stimulation and interaction with other little ones wear them out. be warned, there is a learning curve in the beginning with that whole being quite and listening, we persevered, and she is MUCH better with it. (we did have to leave more than once because she carried on and was being too disruptive.)



Oh - and my local Chick Fil A does a weekly story time as well that's free - and then they can play on that indoor playground.

♏*PHOENIX*♏ - posted on 12/14/2010

your right...here you have to be at least 5

Jackie - posted on 12/14/2010

Christina - Allison is almost 22 months and we just finished up our first gymnastics class last weekend. It was called Dynamic Duo. We both LOVED it.



It was for the mommies and babies to do together. She go to run and JUMP and swing from bars and crawl in and out of tunnels. It was SOOO much fun. There were lots of boys in the class too.



They way I found it was by going to my cities Parks and Recreation Website. Maybe you could try that.



I think it would be awesome for your son. It's good to burn off some of that energy in the winter months. Good Luck



EDITED TO ADD: "My son also likes to hop like a frog and he always says 'ribbit, ribbit' when he does it.. So cute when little kids do that"



That was part of their warm up :)

C. - posted on 12/14/2010

Eh, it's Ok.. We all have our days :)

Katherine - posted on 12/14/2010

Damn!!!!!



Normally I'm not that dense!

C. - posted on 12/14/2010

@Katherine..

(Psst.. Extra-curricular :) )

And I've talked to hubby about getting our son into soccer.. He doesn't think it's a real sport and would rather our son go for football.. Men :/ But the only reason I was thinking gymnastics is b/c he's really strong and he would be doing a ton of running around and a lot of physical work in general.



@April.. I might be able to work something out so my husband can go with. I know my friend would, but she's visiting family in England until Jan. and she's also due with her second baby in.. I want to say April (haha.. April, April.. anyway :) ).



@Ebony.. I know! You're son is crazy good! I've been keeping up with your status updates :) I was also thinking about karate or wrestling or something along those lines, but I don't think they take children as young as 2 1/2 :/ I know my husband can't wait until he's old enough for Little League, though..



@Caitlin.. Thanks for adding the cost to your post.. I didn't think it would be that expensive for a 45 minute session :/ I'll have to look around and see what we can find.

Caitlin - posted on 12/14/2010

I enrolled Kayla in the little gym when she was 22 months, but had to stop because a) it was insanely expensive (20$/45 mins) and b) my work schedule changed and I was just too tired to keep going..

She LOVED it, she ran around like a fool, tried all sort of new activities, and I was kind of sad to have to stop, but maybe soon we'll manage to go back..

April - posted on 12/14/2010

Christina, my son is 23 months. He takes gymnastics classes and I enrolled him because he is also very active. It is only once a week...but every Thursday he takes super nap!! I look forward to thursdays!!! I do have to warn you that a Mommy and Me class like we go to...well it is very active on the mom too. The instructor can't help all the kids at once, so the moms end up helping their own children. Ours is set up like an obstacle course and the instructor is only at one station. Also...all the new kids run away at first. Be prepared for a child that might not be able to wait in line...you'll be running after him most likely in the beginning. If you are going to do a Mommy and Me...could your husband or a friend go with you so that you won't be in pain?

Katherine - posted on 12/14/2010

That still doesn't look right....

Katherine - posted on 12/14/2010

I couldn't spell extra-circular LOL.

Katherine - posted on 12/14/2010

No, actually we have a bunch of mommy groups here. There is a gym day every Tuesday and Thursday designed especially for the little ones. Gymnastics.....eh. Extra circular activities yes. Maybe soccer?

♏*PHOENIX*♏ - posted on 12/14/2010

He sounds just like my son when he was 2…a ball of energy, and strong but I don’t think 2 ½ is to young…if there is a program for him, that will get some energy out, then go for it. And you never know if he will be really good at it and continue to do whatever it is for a long time to come.

I never thought to get my son in anything at that age; I just dealt with it, and had family joke that he must be ADHD running around and all but bouncing off the walls. Right now at 7 he still has tons of energy, and crazy muscles, but as you know he’s putting it all to good use and he is one of the best…my family is not joking anymore

C. - posted on 12/14/2010

Thanks, ladies.. I'll have to keep those in mind. I'll search around and see what they offer out here. My husband had expressed interest in putting him in a swim class, but it will have to be when he can take our son. I don't know how to swim and water freaks me out.



LOL, Mary.. My son also likes to hop like a frog and he always says 'ribbit, ribbit' when he does it.. So cute when little kids do that :)

Mary - posted on 12/14/2010

Molly just turned 2, and we do an hour long class twice a week at a place called My Gym. She LOVES it. It is specifically designed for her age (23mo - 2.5 years). There are structured parts to it, such as the beginning circle time "warm-up" , song, and dance, as well as a skill (yesterday we learned to jump like a frog), free time around the gym, planned activities with various equipment. The class we are in has 2 instructors for about 7 kids.



You need to remember that almost anything you do at this age is a "Mommy and me" type class. Where we are, the instructors certainly are very hands-on with the kids, but you are still very involved. I have no idea what you have in HI, but both My Gym and The Littlest Gym are US chains. I do think it's a great idea to start some type of activity with them at this age where they are interacting with other little ones, as well as learning to follow directions (circle time was HARD for her in the beginning!).

Stifler's - posted on 12/14/2010

Swimming lessons?

Sarah - posted on 12/14/2010

Ooooh, I spelt it right! cool :)

Sarah - posted on 12/14/2010

Do you have things like "Tumble Tot's" or "Gymboree" (might have spelt that wrong!) where you are?
It's like a toddler group thing with lot's of soft play and running around and stuff.

I know over here that leisure centres often run things like that, a lot of churches do too.

It's not majorly structured (as far as I know, I've never been) but it would certainly get some energy out, and it's a good place to socialise too, for you and him! :)

Cathy - posted on 12/14/2010

I think regular gymnastic classes may be too structured for under 4yo.

I don't know what's available where you are. In the UK we have Gymboree classes which are gym classes focused around soft play equipment. If you could find something like that I'm sure he'd love it. Or maybe try a little trampoline.

I don't think it's ever too young to start them off encouraging an active lifestyle, it just needs to cater to his age so he loves doing it rather than resents it and gets deterred.