Early childhood experts and educators agree that there are numerous benefits to teaching babies, toddlers and preschoolers. It can help stimulate cognitive growth, improve their gross/fine motor skills, enhance vocabulary and be just plain fun. One great opportunity for learning is to enroll in a Mommy and Me class. They are also called Parent and Child or Parent and Tot courses. It will (more than likely) be an enjoyable experience for your little one. It also offers a chance for you to network with other moms and will help you be your child’s best first teacher.
So, if you’re bored of staying at home all of the time, consider taking a class. Dallas has numerous classes to choose from. With over 98,000 kids under the age of 5 in the area (and many more in the surrounding communities), there are excellent opportunities for young children. Here are a few Mommy and Me courses to think about.
Everybody Fits
Want to introduce your child to gymnastics? One great way to do so is by taking the Lil’ Dreamers class at Everybody Fits. It is a parent and child class designed for toddlers ages 18 months to 2 years old. Your little one will learn basic skills while developing mobility and more. It is taught by an instructor with many years of experience. And, if your child really enjoys it, perhaps she/he can graduate to a gymnastics class without parent participation. Everybody Fits is an excellent center that has been serving children since 2001. They are located in Coppell and their phone number is (972) 471-2345. For more information, visit their web-site here.
Kindermusik
Kindermusik is an exceptional program. It provides stimulating music classes. Children ages newborn and up will learn songs, play fun instruments, and do activities such as wave a scarf to the beat of the music. It is a franchise that has been making the world a little more musical for over 30 years. There are several teachers in the Dallas area – just visit www.kindermusik.com and click on “find a class.” You can also learn more about the program and its mission to help children explore the world of music.
Music Together
Another terrific music program is Music Together. They are very similar to Kindermusik, however most of their classes are for ages infants – preschool age, allowing multiple siblings to attend the same class. The trained and experienced teacher will coordinate activities throughout the class where all children can participate. The theme of Music Together is “Bringing Harmony Home.” If you visit their website, you will be able to see videos of classes as well as parent testimonials. You can locate a teacher closest to you. Music Together is a highly recommended program.
Aqua Tots
It is not too early to teach your baby to swim. If you want to introduce your child to the water, you might want to enroll in a parent and child class at Aquatots of Dallas. They would be thrilled for you and your little one to join the Aqua Babies class. They are taught by Bev Steinfink, a registered nurse turned aquatic professional who has many years of experience working with children. If you visit the website here you can see pictures and learn more about this wonderful Dallas resource. Their phone # is (214) 890-7946.
Dallas Public Library
Another excellent resource for parent and child classes is your local library. Your taxes help support these programs – take advantage of them! There are several classes offered at different branches. For example, at the NorthPark Center branch, they offer “baby bounce basics” for up to 24 months which involves story time, rhymes, music, etc. These classes are free and are a great way to give your child a boost on learning. To find out more about them, visit http://dallaslibrary.org.
The Little Gym
The Little Gym is a fantastic place for Mommy and Me classes. Their classes begin as early as 4 months. Sessions are taught by trained professionals and use activities to “enhance emotional, intellectual, and social skills.” The Little Gym is a reputable franchise that has been making a difference in the lives of children for over 30 years. There are two locations in Dallas. Click on their website here to read more about the classes and to find the nearest one in your area.
Dallas Gymnastics
Another Dallas location for a parent and child class is Dallas gymnastics. They offer a mom ‘n me class for ages 2 1/2 to 3 years. They also provide a playtime for toddlers who are walking up to age 3 years. The school has been teaching area children for over 20 years and the instructors have lots of training and experience. If you live close to the center, this is a great place to check out. It is worth looking into. To learn more about it, click here.
Dallas Recreation Centers
Affordable Mommy ‘n Me classes are offered through Dallas recreation centers. For example, you can take a parent and child aquatics class geared for babies and toddlers ages 6 months and up. If you don’t mind getting in the water and wearing a swimsuit, its a terrific class to take. For more information on the classes that your local community center offers, visit www.dallasparks.org.
Infant Massage Class
Want to learn massage techniques on how to relax your baby, sooth colic and more? Consider taking an infant massage class. There are several teachers in the Dallas /Ft. Worth area that would love for you to join a class. To find a teacher, visit this site. Infant massage has numerous benefits.
Gymboree
Gymboree specializes in Mommy and Me classes. There are three Gymboree centers in Dallas area, all located in suburbs. They have classes for newborns and up. Courses involve age appropriate activities such as flashlight play, imaginative games, parachute fun and more. If you check out their website you can get a free pass to visit a class for free. Gymboree Classes are led by experienced and educated teachers. For complete details visit the Gymboree site right here.
Parent and child classes will definitely add some spice to your child’s life. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for it, don’t fret. There are many other ways for your child to socialize. Read the article “Tips for Finding Friends for Your Toddler or Preschooler” for suggestions.
Happy Playing and Learning!
Sources:
www.everybody-fits.com
www.kindermusik.com
www.musictogether.com
www.infantaquatics.com/bevsteinfink.htm
http://dallaslibrary.org
www.thelittlegym.com/
www.dallasgym.com
www.dallasparks.org
www.infantmassageusa.org/learn/states/texas.shtml
www.gymboreeclasses.com
