Research suggests that starting creative physical activity at a young age may be the key in fostering confident, healthy and successful children. A new white paper published by The Little Gym International, shows that what was once thought of as fitness skills can now directly translate into classroom and work skills.
Mommy and Me Parent/Child classes at The Little Gym start working with your child at four months of age. Introducing your little one to new physical movements that help them reach their developmental milestones.
"Raising Future Well-Adjusted Adults" is prepared from research compiled by Dr. Cheryl Olsen, a former Harvard Medical School faculty member who specializes in child development and health behaviors. Some of the research in her report is listed below:
- Children make judgements about their motor skill abilities at an early age, which may affect their willingness to take on new physcial challenges as they get older.
- Structured and repetitive physical activities can improve a child's processing speed, working memory, self-control and strategic decision-making ability.
- Early participation in structured group activities that allow children to cultivate skill such as initiative, teamwork, and emotional regulation, can help children more effectively take on leadership roles in the future.
Mommy and Me Parent/Child Classes at The Little Gym have a structured and three dimensional learning approach, with three core tenents: "Get Moving" to foster flexibilty and strength, "Brain Boost" to foster listening skills, concentration and decesion-making and finally, "Citizen Kid" to cultivate sharing, teamwork, cooperation and leadership abilities. The research in Dr. Cheryl Olsen's study support this approach as an effective and benficial tool in your child's development.