Raising a Citizen Kid!

Friendships provide children with so much more than just fun playmates! In fact, friends are essential for healthy psychological development. Many experts believe that a child’s ability to make friends is the single biggest predictor of their success later in life. Some even claim that it’s more important than IQ and grades.

 

Programs at The Little Gym are purposefully designed to help children become “Citizen Kids!” by improving their social and emotional development. Songs, games, and activities focus on listening, sharing, and taking turns. Experiential learning activities help foster creativity, allow friends to solve problems together, and let them pass on knowledge.

 

Throughout the Season, we have special themed weeks to celebrate your child’s friendships. Our next Bring a Friend Week will occur the week of February 18-24 in classes with space. Encourage your child to invite one of their friends to join them for this special occasion.

 

You can also invite a friend to join you for kids gym classes anytime during the Season. If you know someone that would love The Little Gym, invite them to register for an introductory class. You'll receive extra Member Milestones points and a $30 credit when your referral enrolls in a class, and they will receive a $30 credit as well! So share the smiles, fun and high 5's with people all around you. It's our way of saying thank you for spreading the word about The Little Gym!

Teaching Philosophy at The Little Gym

The best way to encourage children to try their best is with a smile. That’s why, surprisingly, our teaching philosophy is quite different from others. We challenge children to strive for success in a positive, nurturing environment. Each new accomplishment promotes confidence and each successful experience motivates them to try for the next. Our coaching style is noncompetitive, which means children are encouraged to strive for their personal best.

 

We're not the only ones who see the value of this approach. Major studies note the myriad benefits of early childhood physical development:

 

•Children with a high level of physical activity tend to remain highly active throughout adolescence. Starting early lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

•Physically active pre-school children perform better in kindergarten and grade school. With age-appropriate exercises and group activities, The Little Gym provides a different context for learning.

•Children with more developed motor coordination have a lower incidence of social and educational problems. By combining physical development with activities that promote sharing, listening and friendship, The Little Gym sets the stage for critical life skills.

•Positive feedback tends to increase children's intrinsic motivation, having long-term benefits on their self-confidence and willingness to embrace challenges.

•Our positive, noncompetitive environment triggers children’s natural drive to discover their own potential.

 

The Little Gym of London offers Gymnastics, Dance and Sports Skills classes as well as Parent and Child Programs from ages 4 months to 12 years old.

Member Community Board

We've got some great members who are business owners and/or can benefit from referrals. Click here to view this month's posting and support them.

If you are interested in joining our Member Community Board, please complete this application.

Ahhh…The Fearful Child

We have all had it…the child who is afraid to leave moms side…the one that won’t peel away from the wall.  It makes us question.  Is this fear normal?  What can we do about it?

 

According to the article “Is It ‘Normal’ for Children to Be Afraid?” by Karen M. Carlson, M.Ed., fear is a normal emotion.  “It’s nature’s way of alerting us to react to danger, and helps protect us from threatening situations.”  A child experiences many fears because his world is always expanding and changing.  Children spend much time learning to cope with the unfamiliar and it is difficult for them to distinguish between reality and fantasy.

 

Studies show that young toddlers fear things such as loud noises and strangers.  However, as they age those things become less fearful and the imagination takes over.  Children between the ages of 3 and 6 fear things such as death, the dark, ridicule, robbers, and “monsters.”

 

The following are things that Carlson suggests can be done to help kids work through their fears:

 

  • Don’t Laugh at Children’s Fears.  It will not diminish the fear…only the child’s confidence.
  • Don’t Ignore Children’s Fears.  This may make them feel like they have to deal with it all alone.  Give the child reassurance.
  • Don’t Force Children in Situations They Fear.  Shock method rarely works.  Give him or her time to adjust to the fearful situation.
  • Don’t Lie to Children About Their Fears.  Truthfulness can help children manage their fear.
  • Don’t Transmit Personal Fears to Children.  A child will readily adopt the fears of those around them.
  • Accept Children’s Fears as Real.  Acknowledging the fear lets children know that it is OK to have and to express fear.
  • Help Children Broaden the Range of Their Coping Skills.  If children feel they have some control over the ways they react, they gain feelings of competence and self-confidence.
  • Let Children See Other People Interact Confidently with the Situations They Fear. 
  • Adjust Your Expectations to Fit the Child’s Age.  If you have appropriate developmental expectations a child, some of the fears will be avoided all together.

Source: Dr. Donald Carlson PhD, Frederick MD

Want to know (& SEE) more?
Hey if you want to see what other fun stuff is going on at The Little Gym; take a look at our Facebook fan page or visit the official The Little Gym Channel on YouTube.
 
Not enough?  We even have a site dedicated to Childrens Successes.  Check it out too!
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