Started Gymboree Classes Today

Kaytee1206

Let me preface this by saying I think that these classes really do help with gross motor development and socialization.

I didn't enjoy the class very much today. Only one other baby showed up for level 2, which was okay, but I wish there were more. I thought Kendall was really starting to catch up to full term babies, I was waaaay wrong.

The other baby was 7 months and has been crawling all over the place since 5 months, walks while holding onto things, and has a ton of teeth. The mom kept telling me how little Kendall looked (she's 50th% for her actual age, not adjusted) so she's really not that small. The other mom kept saying things like "oh, she isn't crawling, oh she doesn't have any teeth, etc...." It really got to me.

Then the teacher started telling me things that I should be doing at home because "5 month olds in level 1 were doing the same thing as Kendall." She was acting as if I just let my daughter sit in front of a tv all day. I seriously wanted to scream. I told them multiple times that she was a preemie and I am just thankful she is alive and healthy. They just didn't get it.

I'm going to continue the classes for the next month, but if I'm not seeing a difference and they continue to act that way I'm canceling our membership.

duchess0727

I took my daughter to Gymboree classes for about a month - just to get out of the house and see other parents.  I started at 10 weeks so it was the Level I class and at first it was fine but as time went on and the other babies were so much bigger and the younger babies were doing more than my daughter, it just started to get to me and I stopped going.  I don't want to put myself in a situation where I am constantly comparing her to others (and it's very hard b/c my son was born at 41 weeks and was always in the 90th percentile while my daughter was born at 36 weeks and is barely on the charts at all).  It's fun to do as long as the other moms are supportive - if not, better to just stay home!

lstaylor73

I'm sorry you had that experience with the teacher.  Maybe she just does not understand what it means to be a preemie and have delays.  We go to a Rollie Pollies class (same thing as Gymboree) and some days there are three kids in the class and other days there are 12 kids.  Before signing up I was very very very specific with the owner about my needs and expectations and she has been extremely helpful and understanding without limiting us.  Keep going, there are lots of reasons why parents and kids don't come to every session and you will find you'll make friends and your little one will have a good time because of you no matter what.  We have seen a DRAMATIC improvement in social and motor skills.  Don't give up yet.