My daughter is 2 and I want her to be active. I am trying to get her into dance (ballet), or cheerleading but keep being told she's to young. Any ideas or suggestions of what things she CAN do please feel free to tell me. I am anxious to get her involved into something so that she doesn't become a couch potato.
A few activities my 2 1/2 son has enjoyed are Kindermusic, Gymboree, My Gym and now art class (Sparkles). We also went to The Girl's Strawberry Patch the other day just north of Atlantic Ave on Military trail. So much fun.
I also have a two year old daughter. Two is too young for organized ballet or cheerleading/sports because of the language expression and following all directions,etc... My daughter LOVES going to the playground to swing, slide and climb on the monkey bars... we go to our neighborhood playground daily. She rides her tricycle outside or takes her "baby for a walk in her toy stroller. She loves to swim with her water wings on in our community pool, too. All of these are parent-directed, FREE activities that keep her busy and are important developmentally.
Many of the local libraries also offer storytimes that involve a bit of play after reading... again, free. Join a local Mom's group and meet up for playdates with other children of various ages, go to the zoo... and you could also do one of the "gym" programs through one of many local businesses.
I enjoy our unstructured play time because I don't feel burdened by a schedule or having to be "on time" for weekly classes. Of course, with a newborn our schedule changes all the time!
Hi T.! When my older daughter was two, I enrolled her in ballet. Looking back, she really was too young so at least you are being advised correctly (though it is sooo cute to see them in tutus!) Now that my daughter is going on 4, the ballet class is much more age appropriate. Have you though about having your little one take swimming? That is my suggestion. You can set up private lessons or find a class with other 2-year-olds. My daughter has loved it and we started when she turned two. We made sure to find a teacher who wasn't too forceful though. There are some swim teachers out there who are downright nasty about forcing kids to swim. I guess it all depends on what works for you, but I really wanted my daughter to love and enjoy her lessons and I found a teacher who was just right for us. To this day she loves swimming and we have continued with lessons on and off. Perhaps swimming will be fun for your little girls as well, especially during the heat of the Florida summer :) It's great excercise and it gives you the peace of mind that, once whe learns how, she'll know how to swim should she need to given all of the water we are surrounded by here in Florida. BEst of luck!
A.
Why don't you check continuing education activities provided by the County? These are free or low cost, and sometimes include activities such as exercise groups or swimming lessons for parent and child. Another idea is to start a babysitting exchange in your neighborhood, and periodically arrange a group party so the families can get to know one another.
2 years old is still a baby, enjoy her. DO NOT push her into organized activities. Gymboree may have a mom & tots class or the YMCA. See if there is a local mothers group Stay involved..do not let the TV baby si..so she will not become a couch potato.
Don't fall into the trap of feeling that your 2-year-old has to be in some sort of structured class or schedule to "be active." Just try to get her interested in doing active fun things, and she'll do them. At that age it is very hard for kids to focus enough on physical activities to really function in a group lesson or on a team.
My 2-year-old is currently into jumping and also throwing his soccer ball around the back yard. We didn't have to sign him up for anything to get him to work up a sweat. :) Of course, he likes to watch TV and play video games too, but we make a conscious effort to limit the couch-potato type stuff.
I think he'd like a My Gym type of place, but unfortunately those are all too far away from our house. The playgrounds in the area work well though.
Try Little Gym, My Gym, Cats, Twisters, or Gymnastics Plus. At her age you will need to do a Mommy and Me class. My kids loved these places when they were 2. Have fun!
My Gym, Gymboree, or My Little Gym are good options. My son loved My Gym and even had 2 of his 6 birthday parties there. I plan to take my 5 month old daughter soon. Have fun!!
Try Gymboree and/or The Little Gym
