2 Year Old Dance or Gymnastic Class

If you are watching you budget, get some video, Elmo, Backyaedigans, Little Einstiens, they can all have interactive things on them, and this way are you not committed, keep in mind even though she is 'bored' when you get home, she is difussing. If you get in to an activity she may overwhelmed by the time 'school' is over then do dance. Or since you are in Irving, not sure where but you know the Parks Mall has a play area, we use to go there every Friday night, that was our 'date' even if dad was off work that is what we did. Try not to overwhelm her, at 2 she is just 'Friends' and missing things, and a few months you many not even see these signes from her. Good Luck!

We go to Everybody fits in Coppell. Wed 4:00-4:45 it's $40/month. And my daughter LOVES it. There are only 3 kids in the class, so they get a lot of time. Plus I take all three of my kids there. My 8 yo does karate from 3:30-4:30 and my 6 yo does gymnastics from 4-5, so I get all my activities done in an hour and a half. :o) Plus mom gets a break while it's all going on.

What would probably be more enjoyable for both of you, is coming up with activities every day that you can do with her. Buy a big roll of butcher paper (9 bucks at Lowes), tape it across the driveway, let her color a mural. Or put on music and dance around with her. Let her "help" you with dinner....give her a big bowl, some play-dough and she can make cookies. Or put her in the tub, give her finger paint soap, and paint all over the tub.
Since you're a working mom, I'm sure you cherish your time with her....and more time away from you at two probably isn't what either of you want. This will be so good for both of you over the long run. :-) Have fun!

I teach Kindermusik at the Korner Kottage in Coppell and I would love to talk to you about our classes at any time. Feel free to call or email me. ###-###-#### ____@____.com

I am always happy to recommend the dance program my daughter went through. See if they offer a class and location you like for 2's. It was great for my 3-year-old. http://kingdomdancekids.com/

We go to dance invasion in arlington over by the parks mall. Their 2yr old program is on Tuesdays at 4 and last about 45min. All the teachers are wonderful with the kids and my daughter had such a great time she wanted to go everyday. Their number is ###-###-#### if you want to call for information, and infact there fall classes start today but you can join at anytime.

P.S. I think they also have a saturday class for 2yr olds too

M.,

ACI gymnastics is great...I believe I paid $35-40/month for a weekly 45 min-1 hr. lesson. Also, there is this amazing school in Mansfield..something like the School of Arts. Anyway, training kids in various aspects of the arts is their specialty and as a ministry to the public, they are VERY affordable. My daughter took ballet there and I was so impressed with the professional and personal interest the teacher took.

Good luck. Also, I was a pre-school teacher and had to come up with a lot of last minute "tricks."

Here are a few:
1. Purchase the book: The Preschoolers Busy book by Kuffner
2. Set out a medium sized bucket, container of water. Add a drop of food coloring or a drop of soap if desired and give her things to, "wash" or play with. Spoons, keys, plastic eggs, etc. A toothbrush is a great cleaning tool.
3. Give her construction paper and blunt end scissors. (Make sure you feel comfortable with this.) Just let her get used to the feel of cutting.
4. Rotate toys...don't give her so many options but rather just a few and choose one that she can, "come home" too. You may even hide it (scarves or crate paper are very fun)so when she "finds" it it appears new. Try to get her in the habit of playing solo. Start with 5-10 minute intervals if you haven't already. Entertaining oneself is a lost art in our society and children need to learn and ENJOY creating, imagining and working independently with out the aide of entertainment.

I apologize for this being a little lengthy. I hope it's helpful. Happy parenting.

A.