In a heartwarming segment, Taryn highlighted the crucial role of nurturing our children’s self-esteem and confidence. Watch the video to discover Taryn’s invaluable insights and learn how we can empower the next generation to embrace self-love and celebrate their uniqueness!

The post Teaching Children the Importance of Self-Love with Taryn Parker appeared first on The Little Gym.

Consumer Offer:

·         New guests and members are in for a treat! During the “Share The Love” promotion, you could experience one of two fantastic options – availability will be different at each gym. Please contact your local The Little Gym to find out which one is being offered in your area:

·         Free Intro: Join us for a complimentary introduction session at The Little Gym. Experience the magic firsthand!

·         Free Gift: Receive a special free gift when you become a new member. It’s our way of saying welcome to The Little Gym family!

Important Disclaimers:

1.      For New Members Only: This offer is exclusively available to new members. If you’re already part of The Little Gym family, we appreciate your loyalty, but this promotion is for newcomers only.

2.      Limit One Per Household: Each household is eligible for one free intro session or one free gift.

3.      Availability May Vary: The availability of the promotion may vary based on your location. Please check with your local The Little Gym to confirm participation and availability during the “Share The Love” promotion.

Don’t miss this opportunity to share the love and discover the joy of The Little Gym. We’re here to make your February extra special.

Join us from February 1st to 14th, and let’s spread the love together at The Little Gym! We can’t wait to welcome new members and share unforgettable moments with your family.

For more information and to get started, visit your nearest The Little Gym today.

The post The Little Gym’s “Share The Love” Promotion: Rules and Disclaimers appeared first on The Little Gym.

The post Unleashing Halloween Magic: How Imaginative Play Fuels Child Development appeared first on The Little Gym.

The Many Benefits of Gymnastics for Child Development

1. Enhanced Balance: The first time a child tries to stand on one leg or attempts a simple beam walk, it may seem like a challenge. But with consistent practice, these tasks become second nature. Gymnastics helps children develop an understanding of their center of gravity and how to adjust it for stability.
2. Improved Coordination: Hand-eye coordination is sharpened as children learn to juggle multiple movements simultaneously. Whether it’s a simple jump or a more complex sequence on the bars, every movement in gymnastics requires a keen sense of timing and spatial awareness.
3. Mastering Body Control: As children advance from basic to more complex maneuvers, they become more in tune with their bodies. This heightened body awareness is essential not just for gymnastics but for everyday tasks as well.
4. Strengthening Core Muscles: The strength gained from gymnastics isn’t limited to the arms and legs. The core muscles, vital for posture and overall physical health, are continuously engaged during various skills, fostering better posture and reducing the risk of injuries.

A Glimpse Into the Evolution:

1. Forward Rolls: A beginner’s move, the forward roll teaches kids the basics of momentum and balance. As they tuck their head and roll, they learn to engage their core and understand the concept of fluid movement.
2. Handstands: The handstand is a testament to body strength and balance. With arms stretched out and legs pointed to the sky, children learn the importance of alignment and focus.
3. Balance Beams: This narrow piece of equipment may seem daunting at first, but it’s instrumental in teaching precision and grace. As kids progress from simple walks to turns and jumps on the beam, their confidence grows in tandem.
4. Bar Swings: Swinging on the bars is exhilarating! Beyond the thrill, it’s a lesson in grip strength, momentum, and body control. As children advance, they transition from basic swings to more intricate skill sequencing, showcasing their prowess and agility.

In celebration of National Gymnastics Day, let’s recognize the profound impact this sport has on our youngsters. It’s not just about cartwheels and flips; it’s about molding resilient, confident, and physically adept individuals ready to take on the world’s challenges. Encourage your child to step onto the mat and witness the transformative journey from cartwheels to confidence, all while having Serious Fun at The Little Gym!

The post From Cartwheels to Confidence: How Gymnastics Shapes Your Child’s Development appeared first on The Little Gym.

Whether your little one is transitioning to a new grade or starting school for the first time, The Little Gym has you covered with five stress-relief tips. Let’s navigate the new academic year with confidence and ease!

1. Prioritize Earlier Bedtimes for Better Focus

Setting up a consistent bedtime routine can be game-changing. Gradually adjust bedtime schedules at least a week before school starts. Dim the lights, reduce screen time, and introduce calming bedtime stories or soft music. This can help children wind down and ensure they get the recommended amount of sleep. This is a great routine to keep up throughout the school year and will help the whole family get ready for a great morning and productive day.

2. Stay On Top of Homework

Create a dedicated homework zone that’s free from distractions. Encourage regular breaks, like a 5-minute stretch or a quick snack, especially when tasks seem too overwhelming. Add a rewards system for your kids by giving them a To-Do list with stickers for each achievement. It’s a great way to instill both fun and confidence in their homework schedule.

3. Empower with Stress Management Techniques

Each school year can be met with its own unique challenges. Encourage open communication and let your child know it’s okay to share their feelings about school no matter how their day went or what obstacles they are facing. Introduce relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization to help calm everyone at home. If you focus on the way through and build trust with your children that they have a safe space at home to manage stress, they will develop stronger coping techniques and be more resilient no matter what arises.

4. Organize and Prepare in Advance

Establishing a morning routine can eliminate last-minute scrambles. Prepare lunches, outfits, and backpacks the night before. This not only ensures smoother mornings but also instills a sense of preparation in your child. You can also tap into their imagination powers at breakfast. Ask your children to visualize what their day will look like, so they are better prepared and excited for the day ahead.

5. Engage in Physical Activity

Physical activity is a proven stress reliever for all ages. Enroll your child in extracurricular activities they enjoy, like gymnastics or dance (of course we recommend checking out The Little Gym classes near you!) or simply schedule regular family walks or bike rides.

Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to stress. With a bit of planning, open communication, and a dash of fun, both parents and children can embrace the new school year with enthusiasm. At The Little Gym, we believe in empowering kids to be their best selves. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!

The post Back to School Bliss: 5 Stress Relievers for Kids appeared first on The Little Gym.

Join Gabby and friends for an A-MEOW-ZING birthday bash at The Little Gym! Sing and dance as you explore your imagination, physical movement, music and of course a CAT-TACULAR visit to Gabby’s Dollhouse! For your big birthday this year, get tiny with us at The Little Gym!

The Little Gym has officially teamed up with DreamWorks Animation to bring the PAW-TASTIC world of Gabby’s Dollhouse to life! The feline frenzy continues as The Little Gym adds a touch of whimsy to their already fun-filled and imaginative programs.

Now streaming on Netflix, Gabby’s Dollhouse is a mixed media series that unboxes a surprise in each episode before jumping into a fantastical animated world full of adorable cat characters that live inside Gabby’s dollhouse. The Little Gym’s A-MEOW-ZING birthday bash bring these cat-tastic adventures to life with music, movement and an adorable Gabby-inspired journey in the gym. Children can look forward to an array of activities inspired by the show, including Carlita rides and DJ Catnip adventures inside the gym.

Parents can sit back and enjoy their child’s birthday and leave the party planning, setup and clean up to the experts. They can rest easy knowing their children are not only having fun, but also developing their physical, social, and emotional skills. The Little Gym has been a pioneer in providing children with a safe and supportive environment to grow and learn through fun activities for over 45 years.

The Little Gym’s A-MEOW-ZING-themed birthday parties are more than the cat’s meow! They are the perfect combination of fun and imagination, where children can let their creativity run wild and develop their physical, social, and emotional skills while celebrating their big birthday with Gabby and Friends.

For your next big birthday gather your little ones and their friends, and get tiny with us at The Little Gym!

The post The Little Gym is now booking A-MEOW-ZING Birthday Parties with DreamWorks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse! appeared first on The Little Gym.

1. Promote teamwork at home. Once children are old enough to contribute, assign them with household chores and explain to them that keeping the household running takes teamwork and cooperation.
2. Get them involved in the kitchen. Getting children involved in the cooking of a family meal can help them understand that it takes every person’s help to ensure that the meal is made successfully.
3. Provide leadership opportunities. Allow your child to lead an activity at home or on the playground. This will provide them with the confidence they need to be both a leader and a team player.
4. Volunteer as a family. Volunteering not only teaches your child about the importance of giving back to those in need, it also helps to promote teamwork and can increase family bonds! Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, food pantry, or animal organization. Visit volunteermatch.org to find an opportunity in your local community!
5. Let them choose. Giving children the option to choose will help them feel more in control with what is happening. This can be as simple as choosing which shoes to wear in the morning or which cup to use at breakfast. This helps children grow communication skills which are vital for teamwork.
6. Enroll in programs that promote teamwork. Organized programs like The Little Gym involve team building activities for kids and help to develop and promote the value of working in a team and cooperation in kids!

The post Teamwork Activities for Kids appeared first on The Little Gym.

• It develops the whole child. In Parent/Child or Preschool Gymnastics classes, children are learning how to listen, follow directions, and even take turns. In older Preschool, and Grade School Gymnastics classes, children are learning how to respect one another, work as a team, and celebrate other children’s victories, not simply their own.
• It helps to build confidence. Even toddler gymnastics can help to develop self-confidence and self-esteem early in childhood. It gives the child an opportunity to learn to love and value themselves just the way they are. As kids develop new gymnastics skills, they are activating rapid cognitive development through their understanding, application, proficiency and mastery of the skills.
• Gymnastics for kids enhances physical development. Providing an outlet for kids to develop skills like strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and body control, all while laying a strong foundation for a healthy habit of physical fitness throughout a child’s lifetime.
• It can help frame a routine for your child. Consistent and scheduled extracurricular activities help children anticipate what will happen next. This provides a sense of security, control, and confidence. For young children, involvement in extracurricular activities also provides structure to prepare them for school and beyond.
• It fosters ongoing skill and child development. Participating in extracurricular activities allows children to explore new interests and skills, which allows them room to discover what they are passionate about. This could be an affinity for a specific sport, playing an instrument, or even an interest in art. Developing new skills, and discovering those you like, continues to build self-confidence and self-esteem within children.

Gymnastics provides an opportunity for children to acquire not just physical skills, but social and emotional skills that will be a compass for their future. It’s a sport that truly benefits the whole child! To learn more about The Little Gym and to find gymnastics near me, visit us here.

The post Benefits of Gymnastics for Kids appeared first on The Little Gym.

1. Post a picture, video, or Boomerang of your child doing their favorite gymnastics skill on a social media platform like Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #TheLittleGym.
2. Brush up on your gymnastics skills! You and your child can check out these three steps for completing a handstand and have some fun together.
3. If you’ve been attending The Little Gym for a while, or another kids’ gym facility, you’ve likely collected quite a few medals along the way. Check out this DIY medal holder for keeping all of your child’s medals in one place!
4. Host a Watch Party! Pre record one of the televised USA Gymnastics meets and invite a few friends over for a watch party. Ask friends to come in their favorite gymnastics gear and purchase pizza, popcorn, or other special treats to make it a full day of gymnastics fun.
5. Did you know? In ancient gymnastics, they jumped over bulls instead of vaults. School your child with these gymnastics fun-facts!
6. Have a ribbon dancer on your hands? These DIY Ribbon Wands are perfect for your child’s living-room floor routine!
7. Print out and color the official National Gymnastics Day coloring sheet then, display it on your refrigerator at home.
8. This DIY popsicle stick gymnast ornament would make the perfect addition to any holiday tree.
9. Make your child into their very own gymnastics-themed paper doll with this craft!
10. Enroll in classes at your local The Little Gym! To find our kids gym near you, click here.

The post 10 Ways to Celebrate National Gymnastics Day appeared first on The Little Gym.

1. Hugging keeps them healthy. Forgot your daily multivitamin? Grab a hug instead! Increased levels of oxytocin from hugs can help strengthen your child’s immune system which ultimately helps to fight infections.
2. Hugs boost self-esteem. Each time you hug your child they feel even more loved and you are building their self worth. Feeling loved can help increase confidence and self-esteem in addition to teaching compassion and empathy. Hug away, parents!
3. Hugging makes everyone happy. Higher levels of oxytocin can help boost feelings of happiness. If you give, and receive more hugs, everyone will be much happier. Parents included!
4. It can help ease a tantrum (or diffuse an upset parent). Toddlers have a really hard time expressing their emotions (tell us something we didn’t know). Simply by offering your toddler a hug during a tantrum can help ease their troubles.
5. Hugs can make your child grow taller and smarter. Physical touch, like hugging, is required to grow a strong brain and body. This is why kangaroo care is so important to NICU babies. The release of oxytocin also releases growth factors as well.

The benefits of hugging your child are staggering. Make an effort to hug your child multiple times a day to reap the BIG benefits hugs provide to both of you.

When you’re looking for other ways  to have fun and show love, check out kid-focused activities like The Little Gym where kids have a great time learning skills like sharing and compassion with others.

The post 5 Reasons to Hug Your Child Everyday appeared first on The Little Gym.