Searching for “mom and me activities near me”? You’ve made the right call!
There are so many amazing benefits associated with mommy and me classes that you and your little one can look forward to that art museums and yoga studios can’t always match.
How Mommy and Me Classes Aid Your Child’s Development
Mommy and me classes can play an integral role in your child’s formative years as well as your relationship with your child. Here are just some of the reasons why parent-child activities are highly recommended:
- Build a stronger bond: Mommy and me classes provide a nurturing environment for parents and children to bond and strengthen their attachment. Through shared experiences such as music, movement, and play, parents and children develop a closer emotional connection, fostering a sense of security and trust.
- An introduction to social skills: Group classes offer opportunities for children to interact with other little ones in a structured setting, promoting the development of social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperation. Interacting with other children under the guidance of a caregiver helps children learn to navigate social situations and develop empathy.
- Language Development: Music and movement activities in mommy and me classes can support language development in young children. Singing songs, chanting rhymes, and engaging in musical games expose children to rich language experiences, helping them develop vocabulary, phonological awareness, and communication skills.
- Gross Motor Skills Development: Movement-based activities in mommy and me classes promote gross and fine motor skills development in young children. Dancing, crawling, climbing, and playing with props help young children develop coordination, balance, strength, and control over their bodies.
- Cognitive Boost: Participating in mommy and me classes stimulates cognitive development in littles. Music activities engage multiple areas of the brain, enhancing cognitive skills such as memory, attention, sequencing, and pattern recognition. Musical games and activities also encourage problem-solving and creative thinking.
- Emotional Regulation: Music has the power to regulate emotions and promote emotional well-being. Singing soothing lullabies, dancing to upbeat rhythms, or engaging in expressive movement activities can help children learn to regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
- Parental Support and Education: Mommy and me classes provide valuable support and education for parents as they navigate the challenges of early parenthood. Parenting tips, resources, and strategies shared in class help parents feel more confident and competent in their caregiving role, fostering a positive parent-child relationship.
The Joy of Creative Movement
Research published in the Psychological Science journal suggests that musical experiences in infancy can accelerate brain development, particularly in areas associated with language, communication, and cognitive skills.
What’s more, the New York Academy of Sciences found that infants who engaged in musical activities showed improvements in motor skills, including coordination, balance, and rhythm.
Music and movement classes are not just a way to keep your little one entertained. When paired with age-appropriate movements, a class can teach your child more about how their bodies move in relation to their environment.
Musical experiences also engage multiple senses simultaneously, helping infants develop sensory integration skills and perceptual abilities. This can have positive effects on overall sensory processing and cognitive development.
As their self-esteem and fine and gross motor skills grow, it lays the foundation for a healthier life for them both physically and emotionally.
Our mommy and me classes were created for children ages 4 months to 3 years.
Our Bugs and Birds play and music will help your tiny explorer with their functional and muscle development before moving onto introductory gymnastic skills. During their time at The Little Gym, they’ll be surrounded by other children aged 4 to 19 months as well as their parents, giving you the chance to build community connections.
Our Beasts and Super Beasts sessions were created for children ages 19 months to 3 years and are focused on igniting your little one’s passion for movement and creativity, helping them build critical life skills while getting a total body workout and having a blast. These sessions are also excellent preparation for our Pre-K gymnastics classes.
Even though you will be present with your child during these classes, everyone is guided by qualified instructors who are passionate about helping children get the best head start possible.
Ideal for new moms as well as moms with older children who want to ensure they can form the best possible bond with their baby, The Little Gym is your chance to explore and learn with your little one in a supportive and nurturing environment.
