gymboree, swim lessons, etc.

nikinikinine

When did you start taking your babies out for activity classes? Do you go out with them alone or do you have someone go with you?

I really don't want to limit what they "can do" because I'm home alone all day. I know as they get bigger getting out of the house will be easier logistically speaking (I hope).

leslie13510

The thing with most classes like that is that almost all of them require one adult per child until around age 3.  For me personally, it's not that I haven't *wanted* to sign them up for structured activities, it's that I haven't been able to with DH deployed (and before that, working long hours) and no family nearby. 

We used to go to story time at the library, but even that got too difficult for me to do by myself when they both started walking.  I just signed them up for a dance class that starts next month, and so far it's the only thing I've been able to find for 2 year olds that doesn't require two adults, and that I think they'll actually do and not just get up and run off (plus it's in a closed room so it's not like they can go anywhere). 

AlishaMay

When my girls were 3 months I started them in ECFE classes (Early Childhood and Family Education) through our school district.  We sing songs, play little developmental 'games' and talk about different parenting topics.  I found that the teachers were eager to help out with one if I needed it, and they have grown to love them! 

It's been a great experience for us, but I was super nervous about how it would work out in the beginning.  A lot of activities like what you're thinking about will offer a trial class.  You'd definitely know in one class if it's going to work out for you or not.  I say, try a couple and give it a shot. 

For me, it did a lot for my self esteem as a mother, I feel confident knowing that I could go out and handle them both on my own.  Sure it brings about challenges, especially as they get older, but I'm not afraid of it.  Plus going to these classes give me a test run to taking them out together on my own to other places.   

nikinikinine

leslie13510:

The thing with most classes like that is that almost all of them require one adult per child until around age 3.  For me personally, it's not that I haven't *wanted* to sign them up for structured activities, it's that I haven't been able to with DH deployed (and before that, working long hours) and no family nearby. 

We used to go to story time at the library, but even that got too difficult for me to do by myself when they both started walking.  I just signed them up for a dance class that starts next month, and so far it's the only thing I've been able to find for 2 year olds that doesn't require two adults, and that I think they'll actually do and not just get up and run off (plus it's in a closed room so it's not like they can go anywhere). 

Leslie, first off my hat's off to you. Multiples are hard enough with both parents at home. I know you do what you have to do, but that doesn't mean it's easy!

Thank you also for your family's sacrifice. Three of my brothers are military (2 Coast Guard, 1 Marine) and my FIL is a retired Army Colonel. My brother was stationed in Afghanistan for 14 months, my other brother's ship was rerouted to Georgia when Russia had their crazy civil dispute last year, and my FIL fought in the first Gulf War. Deployment of a loved one is one of the most stressful things my husband and I have experienced. So, again, thank you. 

daisybride78

When the boys turned one, we did 2 months of Gymboree classes. I signed up with a friend, so she was always there to help me, plus you get to know the mom's in the class and I felt like they always helped me keep an eye on both boys too.

As far as swim lessons go, we just signed up for those too, but we are going at 5:45 on Tuesday evenings so that DH can come too. Most places have Saturday morning swim lessons as well. I have also done story hour at the library and it's challenging, but doable.

 I have found a lot of programs that allow you to sign up both twins. The best thing about Gymboree was that you get a discount on the second sibling. That was a nice little break.

nikinikinine

daisybride78:

When the boys turned one, we did 2 months of Gymboree classes. I signed up with a friend, so she was always there to help me, plus you get to know the mom's in the class and I felt like they always helped me keep an eye on both boys too.

As far as swim lessons go, we just signed up for those too, but we are going at 5:45 on Tuesday evenings so that DH can come too. Most places have Saturday morning swim lessons as well. I have also done story hour at the library and it's challenging, but doable.

 I have found a lot of programs that allow you to sign up both twins. The best thing about Gymboree was that you get a discount on the second sibling. That was a nice little break.

so good to hear this stuff is still doable! 

GSwans

I HIGHLY recommend Gymboree. We do the Play and Learn classes.

I started when they were 4.5 months old.  It was wicked exhausting (I did it by myself, and still do) but they absolutely LOVE it, and I have met awesome people because of it (and we now do playdates and Mom's Night Out). 

It's definitely hard (logistically) because you have two, but I felt the same way as you.  Nothing was going to limit us!  

 

groovygrl

I would never take them to swim lessons by myself unless there was a guarantee the teacher could hold one the whole time, I think they probably have the 1:1 rules for that...

we go to little gym & they love it. But we do go on saturdays so MH can come. I think I could do it by myself though, just haven't had the need to. I don't *think* they have a 1:1 rule although our kids are walking, etc. I'm not sure how that would be when they're smaller.

 

jenkm

My dh and I brought them to their first Gymboree class today.  They turned 1 year old this last weekend.

Going alone with the 2 would have been - extremely tough to borderline impossible.

Honestly, I see it as nice but unnecessary to the babies, more a good way to get us all out and socialize.