A Few Common Questions Answered

Why aren’t your prices posted?

The reasons our tuition is not posted are numerous.  Firstly, since you can enroll your child at anytime, the TUITION is prorated to the number of weeks left in the season so the total price changes each week. Secondly, there are a number of different payment options you can choose from. There is too much information to put on the website, and we have found that it is better to explain the options in person so the correct pricing information is understood, and the best choice is made for you and your family.  Thirdly, there is more to our programs than traditional gymnastics, dance, karate and sports programs. We want to learn more about you and your child and help make sure this is the right program for you. If the tuition was posted, you would compare on price alone to other programs, rather than finding out the added value that we offer. We believe there is a difference between simply finding an “activity for your child” and making an investment in your child’s development.

If you are a “price shopper”, please make sure you are making an “apples to apples” comparison. Consider the goals for the students of competing programs, as well as the curriculum, training, cleanliness and location. Also, be aware of the length of the session and the cost PER WEEK. Many people mistakenly assume we are more expensive than other programs, however if cost PER WEEK is compared, we may be only a few dollars more than basic children’s activities in London.

Our curriculum parallels the School Year, September to June. The tuition varies based on your payment option. The most value is found in the Single Pay option (paying it all up front).  You can choose to split that into two with a Bi-pay or choose a Multi pay option or even a regular installment. Other considerations are available for siblings or for additional classes each week.

In order to be in classes, an annual family membership of $30+HST will be due. Member families enjoy many benefits, such as Priority Enrollment, Member Milestones loyalty points, admission to Member-only events, and discounts on services such as Camps, Awesome Birthday Bashes and Parent Survival Nights.

We allow you to make-up classes for ones you have missed, as long as we are notified in advance that you cannot make your scheduled class time. Additionally, makeup classes can only be used while your tuition is current. You can’t save unused classes to use after your enrollment period is over.

Remember that you can enroll during any week and tuition will be pro-rated for classes that you have missed.

If you can’t finish the season, we offer a refund promise so you don’t need to worry about the length of the season. Children benefit most from our programs if they are enrolled for the entire season, but we realize family situations change mid-year, people move away, etc.  Refunds apply only to classes that have not taken place at the time of your notice to us of your inability to continue. Any consideration you received for paying up front will be forfeited in the refund process, and we cannot refund for classes after week 30 of the season. Further details of this promise are in our member handbook

Can I try a class?

You might be a parent that needs to see the added value and experience how your child will benefit over the School Year by being enrolled at The Little Gym.  This is a great way to assure yourself that what we talk about during your inquiry is seen in action. You can come in for a Single Class for only $20+HST.  This is fully refundable upon enrollment for the Season!

There are many things that our classes can offer and we look forward to discussing your needs with you. Please call us or stop in and we will answer any further questions. 519-642-0660. Or, email us at tlglondoncan@thelittlegym.com

 

Why, Oh, Why?

Curiosity plays a big role in child development. Early questions usually revolve around information such as where and when.  But once kids make the cognitive leap to "why?" it's a sign that they recognize cause and effect.   So, why is "why" so fundamental to toddlers?

 

We are starting to get some answers.  Teams from the University of Hawaii and the University of Michigan found that when children received explanations they were more likely to end the questioning. According to the researchers, “When preschoolers ask 'why' questions, they're not merely trying to prolong conversation, they're trying to get to the bottom of things." While this may or may not be true for all children, the research suggests that by age 2 kids actively contribute to the process of learning about the world around them.

 

Eventually, your toddler will come up with a “why?’ that will stump you. Use this opportunity to have some fun and learn together. Have your child sit with you at the computer while you search for the answer online or plan a trip to the library. As your child gets older, try answering some "why" questions with "What do you think?" This will get the wheels turning and nurture logical thinking and language skills. You can learn a lot about what interests your child and you might even learn something new as well!

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

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