This fall many of my friends and I decided to try out a new gym for the kids. I was a bit apprehensive at first because I absolutely loved The Little Gym, but I also didn't want to go back and do the same exact class we've been doing. We decided to check out the Frederick Gymnastics Club and since we can't sit in on a class, we went to their open house. I was still a little concerned because I just didn't get a good "vibe" from them, but I really liked the variety they offered so we all decided to sign up with them.
Grayson's first class was the last Wednesday of August and it was terrible. We arrived early and had to wait in the viewing area until they called us into class where Grayson would not sit still. When class started, Grayson immediately started screaming and holding onto me. He refused to participate in any of the warm-up activities. Once he realized all the really cool things in the gym to explore, he decided he wanted to run wild so I was holding him down until it was time to move. After warm-up, he still wanted to run around and not actually go through the obstacle courses they had created for the kids. By the end of it all, I was exhausted. I got more of a work out chasing after him than he did participating.
Each week seemed to get a little bit better. The next week he still screamed through the warm-ups but was willing to do the obstacle course. However, in the middle of class he decided he wanted to leave so he began to throw temper tanturms. Last week he made me carry him during the warm-ups, but didn't scream and he didn't ask to leave. Then there was this week and it was great!
I figured out that part of the problem with his behavior was that he was getting his lunch later than usual, so yesterday I decided to give him some raisins and animal crackers before we left the house. When class started, he wanted me to carry him, but I refused and he actually started doing some of the warm-ups!! Then, he did the obstacle courses without any fuss. He even swung from the rings without any assistance. He also tried out the parallel bars and the horse. I couldn't believe it! I finally feel like I'm getting my money's worth and Grayson is getting to use up some of his energy.
On a completely unrelated note, thanks to Aunt Heidi for Grayson's awesome football jersey. I took a ton of pictures the other day to try to get that perfect shot. I don't think I actually got it, but here are a few:
Grayson's first class was the last Wednesday of August and it was terrible. We arrived early and had to wait in the viewing area until they called us into class where Grayson would not sit still. When class started, Grayson immediately started screaming and holding onto me. He refused to participate in any of the warm-up activities. Once he realized all the really cool things in the gym to explore, he decided he wanted to run wild so I was holding him down until it was time to move. After warm-up, he still wanted to run around and not actually go through the obstacle courses they had created for the kids. By the end of it all, I was exhausted. I got more of a work out chasing after him than he did participating.
Each week seemed to get a little bit better. The next week he still screamed through the warm-ups but was willing to do the obstacle course. However, in the middle of class he decided he wanted to leave so he began to throw temper tanturms. Last week he made me carry him during the warm-ups, but didn't scream and he didn't ask to leave. Then there was this week and it was great!
I figured out that part of the problem with his behavior was that he was getting his lunch later than usual, so yesterday I decided to give him some raisins and animal crackers before we left the house. When class started, he wanted me to carry him, but I refused and he actually started doing some of the warm-ups!! Then, he did the obstacle courses without any fuss. He even swung from the rings without any assistance. He also tried out the parallel bars and the horse. I couldn't believe it! I finally feel like I'm getting my money's worth and Grayson is getting to use up some of his energy.
On a completely unrelated note, thanks to Aunt Heidi for Grayson's awesome football jersey. I took a ton of pictures the other day to try to get that perfect shot. I don't think I actually got it, but here are a few:
Going Back for the Pass
Running for the Touchdown
In the Huddle with the Other Players
Reflecting on the Game
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