Time for Toddler Activities? By Heidi Murkoff
Is your child ready for music, art, tumbling and more? Here's how to choose the right classes and activities.
No doubt about it, toddlers are physically and mentally active (there’s pretty much no stopping them in either department). And while kids this age certainly don’t need formal instruction in the arts or phys ed, some tots might enjoy more-organized activities, such as tumbling, art, or music classes. Two major benefits of bringing your toddler to a class: He gets to explore games, toys, materials, and equipment that he doesn’t have at home, and you get to spend some adult time with his classmates’ parents. Here are goals to keep in mind as you search for the right programs:
First and foremost, fun.
You want a lighthearted introduction, not the first step to a master’s degree. An art teacher, for example, should embrace your child’s messy creativity, not try to teach him the one and only correct way to hold a paintbrush. The music instructor should encourage all sorts of ways to make melodies and rhythms, rather than “teaching” notes or scales. And if your child doesn’t want to participate one day, neither you nor the teacher should pressure him to join in. (Gentle, friendly coaxing is okay, though, and often necessary for newbies.) Remember, classes should not stress one particular aspect too narrowly, but instead strive to build a range of physical or cognitive skills.
Social stimulation.
Spending time with peers is a key benefit of toddler classes. But keep in mind that this may be his first exposure to other little ones (especially if he’s not in day care). So make sure the class is geared toward your child’s age and that his classmates are truly contemporaries (um, a roomful of looming kindergartners could be pretty overwhelming). And don’t discount the value of social interactions for yourself; many a lasting Mommy friendship has been formed over a basket of maracas and a few rousing renditions of “The Wheels on the Bus.”
Safety.
Toddler activities need to be appropriate for toddlers — not preschoolers or bigger kids. Make sure the equipment, supplies, and instruction are all scaled to your child’s developmental level.
What about Summer?
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend formal swimming instruction for kids under four years old — they’re just not developmentally ready. However, classes that allow kids to adjust to being in the water and teach swimming readiness skills can be helpful and fun. (The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend any kind of formal water safety programs for children under 1 year of age.) Look for a class that follows YMCA guidelines (kids should not be submerged, parents should be in the pool with their children, and instructors should be certified in CPR techniques). And never assume that participating in such a class will keep your child safe from drowning. Young children always need close adult supervision around swimming pools, lakes, even bathtubs.
Are toddler activities really necessary?
In a word: No. Your toddler will get plenty of stimulation playing with you at home. If he’s not interested in toddler gymnastics or library story time, don’t force the issue. And even if he’s the most social of them all, avoid over-scheduling. (There will be plenty of time for that when he’s older!)
