New Year’s Resolutions–Make ‘em, Keep ‘em?
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: January 21, 2011
We read that about half of all Americans make New Year’s Resolutions each year, but less than half of all those resolutions are still being kept after six months. That got us thinking about what resolutions we, as teachers, could make that might actually stick for the whole year.
So here they are!
We, the teachers at The Little Gym of Durham/Chapel Hill, hereby resolve to…
…spend more time hanging out with friends!
…find a good balance in life!
…roll with it when things get tough!
…be flexible and don’t sweat the small stuff!
…look more deeply into ourselves!
So what do you think? What are YOUR resolutions for 2011?
Baby Brain Development
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: September 23, 2010
Babies are sponges. Their brain pathways are forming little superhighways constantly throughout their first few months. As certain stimuli are seen or experienced more or less often, some of the pathways become stronger and some fade into the background. Repeating healthy, stimulating experiences for your baby can help you influence which pathways become strong.
Most of the neural pathways that will exist in an adult brain are formed during the first three years of life. What an awesome responsibility we have as parents and educators when you think that how well a person does for the rest of his or her life could be determined by how much brain development is fostered before they are even 3! Research is telling us that how easily a child learns in school could be a direct result of how many different brain paths are formed early on. (www.childcareaware.org) Parents who bring their children to The Little Gym hear regularly that all areas of development (social, emotional, intellectual, language, motor) are tied together, that each one is dependent on and influenced by the others–and they learn how The Little Gym can positively impact a baby’s development in all areas.
What Parents Can Do: “What parents have known for years—that good early experiences are good for our children—is now being proven by doctors and scientists at research centers and universities all over the country…In fact, science tells us that the right kind of experiences in their early years can actually help our children’s brains to grow.” (“New Research on Brain Development is Important for Parents” from www.childcareaware.org)
The number one thing we as parents can do is to give our babies a solid home base, full of love and assurance, where their needs are answered predictably. Babies in this kind of loving environment learn quickly that the adults in their lives can be counted on to keep them safe and secure, that the world is essentially a good place, and that they are valued as individuals. From this solid base of security, a baby is free to explore, which allows his brain to begin forming those oh-so-important pathways.
Beyond creating that loving environment, here are specific things parents can do:
- Provide lots and lots of opportunities and experiences for your baby from the very beginning. Let her taste, smell, hear, touch, and see the widest variety of things, while offering physical and verbal reassurance throughout. She will learn that other adults can be trusted, that Mom and Dad will keep her safe, that it’s OK and even good to try new things, and more.
- Play with your baby often, every day. Building a deep relationship with your child sets the foundation for every relationship he’ll have throughout his life. And the things YOU do to send the signal that he is likeable and fun to be around, help your child relate well to others and build his own self confidence over time.
- Let your baby get to know other trusted adults–on her own terms and always within the safety and security of your relationship with her.
- Encourage back-and-forth communication, through your baby’s gestures, facial expressions, and noises, and your response to them.
- Create sensory experiences through music, stories, movement, physical activities, and more.
- Finally, provide problem solving opportunities, such as setting a toy just out of reach, putting her in different positions (back, stomach, sitting with support), putting her on an incline, or taking her gently into other positions such as upside down. As a baby begins to feel more in control of her world, knowing what to expect and also experiencing success and validation for trying new things, and as she sees the world from different points of view and is allowed to explore and move in different ways, her intellectual development will grow. Also, as she experiences cause and effect—that she can make things happen by what she does and “says”—her self-confidence and desire to take on new challenges will grow as well.
All of these important developmental experiences take place each and every week at The Little Gym, in our “Bugs” (4-10 month old) classes (and in all our classes), and parents go home with ideas of what to do at home, too. To find out more about The Little Gym, or to sign up for a free introductory visit, go to www.thelittlegym.com.
(Below are some links to website that have additional ideas as well.)
Fall Fun with Kids
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: September 14, 2010
The first day of fall is September 22, and after the long hot summer in North Carolina, we can’t wait! Looking for some great activities to do with your kids? Check these out:
Craft Ideas:
- –Kids collect bright-colored leaves and arrange them on wax paper in a pretty design with another piece of wax paper on top. Mom or Dad then irons the edges to seal the leaves in. (By the way, I have one of these from 15 years ago that still shows the colors!)
- –Take a solid leaf that isn’t crumbly, and put tracing paper or tissue paper over it. Using a crayon on its side, your little artist can make rubbings of different leaves.
- –Cut a shape out of an old cardboard box–a wreath shape, for example. Help your child collect leaves, acorns, seeds from nature and them glue them to the form. (If you use enough glue, it will hold for years and be a pretty fall decoration and souvenir. But this is a messy one–perfect for a fall day outside on the ground!)
Outdoor Activities:
- Go on a leaf walk! Pick up as many different leaves as you can find. Use this guide from about.com to help identify the names of the trees. (Younger kids can learn basics like “oak” and “maple,” while older kids can learn more details about each tree.)
- Go on a star walk. Fall evenings, with their cool, crisp air and crystal clear skies, are perfect for identifying stars. Turn off as many house lights as you can–or better yet, take a drive into the country. Look for the Big Dipper! Ehow.com has a simple guide.
Indoor Activities:
- Read books about fall! For a list of fall favorites for all ages, visit your local library–they usually have a wonderful display set up. (Click for info on the Durham County Library or Orange County Library.)
- Have a movie night–make it special! My son Ren and I did this almost every week when he was little when his father Patrick had to work at night. We called them “Mama and Ren Nights,” and we’d make popcorn or special food and set up camp in front of the TV with blankets and pillows. When Papa stopped working nights, we started calling it “Mama, Papa, and Ren Nights”–not the catchiest title, but still special! For some movie ideas, check out holidays.kaboose.com.
What’s your favorite fall activity with your kids?
(The gorgeous leaf photo was provided by Paul.)
Preventing Nursemaid’s Elbow
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: September 3, 2010
Nursemaid’s elbow is a common musculo-skeletal injury in young children usually under the age of 4 years old that can be caused by a sudden pulling or jerk on the hand or forearm. According to Dr. Jason C. Suter with Chiropractic Partners in Durham, this can happen when a child is swung around by the arms or even pulled along forcibly (like that oh so fun shopping trip when they just don’t want to go where we need them to go!) It can even happen at The Little Gym, most commonly when a child falls off the beam and is caught by the hand. This is why we stress the importance of spotting children just above the elbow or in the hips rather than holding their hand when they are walking on the beam. (The added benefit of this form of spotting is that it allows the child to feel more of a sense of independence and pride on the beam.)TANTRUMS
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: July 26, 2010
How do you handle anger, frustration, being tired? Do you throw things, stomp up and down, scream, cry, yell at the top of your lungs? Do you throw a tantrum? I, myself, am a crier. Just like when I was 2. Well, maybe not JUST like when I was 2. I did learn not to throw myself on the floor and scream and cry. 
But that comes with maturity and a little self control. Something most 2 – 5 year olds have not mastered.
Building the Parent Bond with Dad
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: June 15, 2010
Greetings!
Parent Child Classes: The Foundation for a Great Relationship
As a parent, your child’s development is the most important matter in your life. You want them to be successful intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. But beyond that, you also want to have a strong and solid relationship with them.
Parent/Child classes present a strong foundation for accomplishing all of your goals at once. This environment allows you to give your child a head start in life while building your relationship with them at the same time. Classes focus on working together to develop your child’s skills through music, exercise and games. A professionally developed curriculum and trained instructors seamlessly build rhythm, body awareness, cooperation, and many other skills that are vital to your child’s development.
These classes also provide opportunities for bonding and team building, encouraging you and your child to work together through new challenges and activities. Classes help you develop sensitive and appropriate responses to the individual needs of your child. Knowing how to respond to their needs helps them develop a secure attachment to you, and in turn, provides a strong base for future relationships.
Parent Child Classes: Paving the Way for Success
Strengthening the bond with your child in during Parent/Child classes is an important opportunity. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this special time together:
1) Allow independence: It is important to let your child have a voice in what they do. Safe classroom environments are a great opportunity to allow your child to explore their independence, helping them develop self-confidence.
2) Motivate: While trying a new activity, ask motivating questions such as “Do you think you can walk on the balance beam? Can you show me?” instead of telling them what do: “Let’s go walk on the balance beam.” Praise their efforts as well as the outcome. Your praise and support will have a profound impact on their emotional development.
3) Be a role model: Your child may not seize the opportunity to try new things, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Encourage your child to try things by demonstrating them yourself. The more you participate, the more your child will participate.
Prevent Summer Weight Gain in Kids
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: May 27, 2010
Childhood obesity is on the rise, and studies show that kids are more likely to gain weight during the summer months than during the school year. Much of that is due to the change in structure, or the lack of structure. Even toddlers can be affected by the change that happens in the household over the summer.
Camp Kids at The Little Gym
There are several things a parent can do to prevent the “summer slide,” and an easy way to remember them is the acronym “WASP.”
W = Water. Choose water over juice and sodas, even with meals. Keep reusable bottles filled in the fridge for quick-grabbing.
A = Activity over TV. Sixty minutes is the minimum amount of physical activity 5 to 12 year-olds should have each day. To help foster that physical activity, limit time in front of screens to a maximum of 2 hours a day, and less for children under 5. Children who have more than 2 hours of ”screen time” (television, texting, video games, and computer time) are more likely to have unhealthy diets and are less likely to be physically active. To limit screen time, create some guidelines for yourself and your children:
- No computer or TV in the bedroom
- No channel surfing: choose the programs with your child, and when the program is over, the television is turned off.
- Set the timer when video games start. Set it five minutes shorter than you are willing to allow, to give them time to “finish the level.”
- Limit screen time to after dark or at least after 6pm to encourage outdoor play. Or during the dog days of summer, limit screen time to the hottest part of the day.
- Let kids earn additional screen time. For example, if they play outside for 30 minutes, they can earn 10 minutes of added screen time.
S = Snacks: Parents ultimately control what kids eat. Remove all unhealthy snacks from the house and replace them with healthy snacks such as fruit, veggies already cut up, and nuts. Save junk food for special occasions such as that family trip to the beach. Hint: kids eat what is convenient–prepare a plate of veggie sticks with dipping sauce, and have it available during screen time. You may be surprised at how quickly they gobble it up!
P = Parent Planning. Get involved in planning activities each day. Ideally, enroll them in camps that keep them moving two or three mornings or afternoons a week, or a class that meets once a week.
- Schedule active alternatives when your kids are more likely to be watching TV or on the computer, such as first thing in the morning or right after lunch in the heat of the day.
- Try to have structured activity at least once a week and ideally two or three times a week. A two to three-hour camp is ideal–it doesn’t have to be all day, especially for younger children.
- Plan regular family walks, hikes, bike rides, trips to the park.
- Keep a supply of easily accessible activity-friendly items such as jump ropes, juggling balls, balls for kicking and throwing, hula hoops, pogo sticks, frisbees, and bicycles (with tires inflated and helmets hanging on the handle bars so they are ready to go.)
- Keep a “car kit” of items for the park such as jump ropes, balls, and frisbees.
- Play outside with your kids. Create obstacle courses and scavenger hunts for them, and invite neighborhood children over. (Click here for outdoor activity ideas for preschoolers, and here for ideas for preschoolers and up. )
- If your family spends a lot of time at the pool, make sure it is active time. Set up games and challenges for the kids to keep them moving. (And don’t forget to reapply sunscreen often!) (Click here for ideas for keeping kids active in the pool.)
Classes and camps at The Little Gym offer everything a parent needs to keep their children active and healthy throughout the summer, and the focus on fundamental development means that children get so much more than just physical activity. For more information on camps and classes at your The Little Gym, or to enroll online, click here.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Infants
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: May 20, 2010
- In: Babies | Infants | Motor Skill Development | Movement | Parenting Tips | Safety
- Leave a Comment
The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) offers five guidelines for infants:
- Infants should interact with parents and/or caregivers in daily physical activities that are dedicated to promoting the exploration of their environment.
- Infants should be placed in safe settings that facilitate physical activity and do not restrict movement for prolonged periods of time.
- Infants’ physical activity should promote the development of motor skills.
- Infants should have an environment that meets or exceeds recommended safety standards for performing large muscle activities.
- Individuals responsible for the well-being of infants should be aware of the importance of physical activity and facilitate the child’s movement skills.
(By the way, “Bugs” classes at The Little Gym, for infants 4 to 10 months, fulfill all five of these guidelines.) Click here to find a location near you.)
Giving Boys (and Girls) Feelings
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: May 12, 2010
When my grandparents were growing up, girls were “allowed” to cry; boys were not. A boy who showed emotions was a “sissy”, a “mama’s boy”, whereas girls who showed emotions were “normal.” Flash forward to 1990 when the term “emotional intelligence” was coined, and what is normal and desirable in a person has changed quite a bit. The ability to read one’s own emotions and those of others, and to act appropriately in response to those emotions, is key to success in life–in relationships, in a family, in school, in business, in work. Many companies have even taken to screening for emotional intelligence in the hiring process.
So how do we as parents foster emotional intelligence? The simple answer is to allow children to “keep” their feelings. The quickest way to squelch emotional growth is to block feelings, and this can happen inadvertently when a parent tells a child things like, “Stop crying–big boys don’t cry” or “You’re not sad! Daddy will be back soon!” It’s easy to do without realizing we’re doing it, but the good news is that it is easy to allow feelings, too. Whenever you see your child experiencing emotions, name them and honor them. A simple statement of what is happening and what they are feeling does the trick. “You are crying because you fell down–that was scary and it hurt, didn’t it? Let’s get a band-aid.” or “You feel sad because Daddy left on a trip. I miss him, too. Let’s call him later, OK?”
Ironically, the more a child is allowed to feel and express feelings, the stronger he or she becomes. So those old fears of creating a sissy by allowing a boy to cry couldn’t be further from the truth.
And the consequences of NOT developing emotional intelligence can be extreme. When interviewed about the UVA lacrosse player accused of killing his girlfriend, Dr. Phil McGraw said, “People turn to physical violence when they run out of socially acceptable ways to express themselves.”
As parents, we give children every advantage we can, and giving them their emotions is a tremendous advantage.
Tale of Two Moms
Posted by: The Little Gym of the Triangle on: May 3, 2010
Once upon a time there were two moms, each with a two-year old boy. Both moms took their sons to the neighborhood playground one sunny spring day, and both boys were chomping at the bit to get climbing, swinging, playing.
Johnny ran over to the slide and started climbing up. Cautiously, he looked over at his Mom Jenny who was strolling casually towards him, to gage her reaction. Jenny called out, “You can do it! I’ll be right here!” Johnny confidently continued his climb up the ladder, and slid happily down the other side, racing to the climbing wall. Jenny followed him over, standing behind him to keep him safe, but letting him take the lead as he climbed up. “I’m right here–you’re doing great–just one foot at a time–good job holding on tight with both hands!–keep it up–you got it!” Johnny felt great and couldn’t wait to do it again.
Billy ran over to the same slide and started to climb up. Cautiously, he looked over at his Mom Beth who was racing towards him with a worried look on her face. “Wait till I get there! You might fall!” she called out, rushing to climb behind him and get a good grip on him in case he slipped. Carefully, he climbed to the top but didn’t want to slide down, so Beth helped him back down the ladder, taking him in her arms before he reached the bottom so he wouldn’t fall the last few steps. Billy looked at the climbing wall, but Beth said, “You’re too little for that.”
Question: which little guy left the park that day better prepared for school? Which one left more likely to try new things and take appropriate risks? Which one left feeling confident, happy, and fulfilled?
One of the most difficult things we do as parents is let go–and even harder than letting go is being willing to let your kids take risks and maybe even skin a knee or get a few bumps along the way.
But these are crucially important lessons that lay the foundation for a child’s future. Parents hear us at The Little Gym encouraging them to let Johnny and Billy (and Georgia and Sally) try it on their own, to let go of their hands when running during the warm-up activities, to encourage the kids to do it “by myself” with minimal help from mom or dad. Because it isn’t just about learning a new skill–it is about building confidence and a willingness to take appropriate risks. These skills are invaluable to the future success of every child out there. So next time you are at the playground or in class at The Little Gym, let go just a little bit more. Stay close by, and be ready to catch them if they slip, but let them do it “by myself.” And see the tremendous payoff grow over time, in that ear-to-ear grin, in that increased self-esteem, in that willingness to try to learn to read. You won’t regret it.
The Little Gym of the Triangle
