Many parents view The Little Gym as an opportunity for their children to make new friends and build upon relationships they have already made. But what you may not realize is that your child is learning valuable social skills that will follow them throughout their lives. When children make friends, they are able to try different ways to relate to different people. Friendships teach them how to establish guidelines, make decisions and solve problems. At first glance, our program may seem to only focus on physical skills. But many of our games are designed to encourage teamwork, enhancing social development through physical activity. Our non-competitive environment encourages children to play with each other rather than against each other. Children learn to become more considerate of one another, more aware of the feelings of others, and more willing to work together for mutual benefit. They learn to share the gym equipment and practice patience by waiting their turn. Research studies have found that children involved in programs that promote collaboration have shown an increase in cooperative behavior during free play and in classroom situations. So next time you watch your child interacting with other children at The Little Gym, remember they’re not just making friends. They’re learning life lessons they will carry with them forever. |
Tags: : gymnastics, cheerleading, children's activities, family fun, fitness for children, karate, mommy and me
