My son will be two this January and I was just wondering what activities/classes are age appropriate for him? Like kirate, toddler sports, or some sort of activity along those lines? I am just asking out of ciriousity :)
Trust me, I'm in no rush. I am solely asking out of curiosity because I have many friends with girls his age in gymnastics, ballet, and piano. Bi often see young girls his age in activities/classes but never any boys.
At two, he doesn't need activities/classes. There is time enough for all of that when he's older and interested in them. For now, he has enough to do to just grow and learn how to live in this world. You are his teacher. Being with you, living the life of a toddler is his activity.
**Oh IGNORE the other Moms and what they are doing with their kids. Believe me. Go according to your own child and what YOU think is best.
No need to keep up with the Jones'
He is so young....
Ditto Marda P.
Also, all of these venues... have age rules... on what age a child can start in said class.
or there are toddler and Mommy groups... like Gymboree Play & Learn classes.... or any local Mommy groups.
But really, no worries and no rush....
People have gone way overboard scheduling their kids in classes at far too early of an age! I see nothing wrong with some parent/child interactive classes at age 2 like "Toddlercize" at a gym or The Music Class or Music Together -that type of thing. However, most classes and activities requiring concentration, coordination and physical skills are not for 2 year olds. They are developing their coordination and there is VERY little concentration! Karate and gymnastics should wait a few years. There are many things you can do by playing to help coordination development and there are specific programs at some places involving parents and children or teachers and children to do that. I enjoyed The Music Class with my oldest and am trying to schedule a Saturday class for winter so I can do it with my youngest.
If you have a MyGym in the area you should sign him up for that-my sons loved it! I also did many other programs like Gymboree and Music Together- there was always a mixed sex crowd. Two is too early for sports and Karate programs. Four is pretty much the age to get into that. Some places DO have these but not easy to find.
My son (2) is currently in an art class through our local park district. He's done a few of these. I've also had him in the Play and Music classes at Gymboree.
I know we have an option for toddler gymnastics once he's 3, and I'll be putting him in that and karate to burn some energy. But both won't take kids younger than 3 around here.
you know your son. and if he's anything like my "little monster" he MUST burn off energy. also, he'll need the socialization. contrary to what others believe, you can NOT be your child's only interpersonal contact. besides, how much "yo gabba gabba" can you really stand in a day :-)?
my son at 2 takes music classes at the symphony house in philadelphia (kimmel center); and has taken tumbling classes.
now, i would not worry about too much structure (for instance, he's not learning an instrument; yet learning to make music through interactive play) just let him have fun. you can also make a standing "play date" at the local playground with some local kids/moms.
also, try "mommy and me" classes. that way if he sees mom, he'll usually do better.
bottom line: there will always be disparate beliefs on how best to raise children. you do what you feel is right for your child.
have fun.
Others have probably said this, but he can do any of the same activities the girls are doing!
Toddler group through a local community college
swimming (parent tot probably)
music class
art class
In my area, most of the sports classes start for kids at age 3
I took both my boys at that age to The Little Gym and they loved it! I also take my oldest to Woga and I have seen a toddler class there that had boys in it.
For some other great ideas to do with your children, check out my website
It Takes a Village...
Where Dallas Moms go for Food, Family and Fun
At that age my son loved a toddler gymnastics (free form, moms stayed with the toddlers) class and a music and movement class for toddlers. He loved dancing and songs!
We joined Gymboree and The Little Gym when my kiddo was 16 months (he's now 3), and we enjoyed them very much. I like the program at The Little Gym more than Gymboree, but I loved that Gymboree had "open play" time in the afternoons (SO WONDERFUL when the weather was crappy and/or freezing and we were desperate to get out of the house!). We recently dropped Gymboree and I'm looking to add a music class if I can find one to fit the budget. :)
Check your local parks and rec for classes. My son loved his tumbling class and music and movement class. We enjoy storytime at the local library and they usually do a craft at the end. It was fun doing the craft in someone else's space and I didn't have to clean up the entire mess, but did clean up after my child. It's just different and less stressful when someone else sets it up.
Some art classes are offered for 2yr olds at the park and rec. centers. They often do art like shaving cream painting or painting with bubbles. This age like to start using scissors and they don't quite have great control, so the setting is much better than your house....
My kids have been swimming since 3 months and do quite well at 5 and 3 now.
If you want a place to start, go to storytimes at the library. Learning about books is always a good start toward being a lifelong reader.
