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Baby gym is a sport for kids aged 1 to 6! It's a physical activity that optimises the development of their physical and motor skills. Growing up means doing sport! Except that sometimes it's hard for parents to juggle their work and family lives. So whatever your child's favourite activity, be it climbing, swinging, balancing, jumping, throwing or rolling, why not reproduce some of these simple exercises at home?
THE SPACE: SAFETY FIRST!
At a club or in a sports hall, the large spaces and specialist apparatus are safe and suitable for kids. But if you want to do baby gym activities at home, you'll need to arrange your furniture to give your child room to move around safely. Here are a few safety precautions to take
LAY DOWN THE RULES
It's always nicer when children understand what they're going to do, why, where and how. It gives them a sense of purpose and motivation!
CHOOSE WHICH ROOM TO USE
It needs to be big and clear enough to give your child room to explore the entire space freely.
DECIDE WHICH OBJECTS OR TOYS YOU'LL PUT IN YOUR PLAY AREA
DEVELOPING AUTONOMY TO GROW THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE!
Baby gym will also help your child develop other qualities: autonomy, self-confidence and risk-taking. This will stand them in good stead for the future! Here are some other tips for having a great time together:
KEEP THEM COMPANY WITHOUT TAKING THEIR PLACE
Reassure them by saying: “I'm here, go on, try!”
TRUST YOUR CHILD
and leave them to explore and play with the objects or small obstacles you've prepared for them by themselves. This will develop their autonomy.
ENCOURAGE THEM
and motivate them by helping them to think about what they're doing: how to sit, climb down, jump, etc.
OFFER CONGRATULATIONS
“Well done!”
“You're a champion!”
“Great!”
TAKING THEIR TIME ALSO HELPS YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
There will be good and less good sessions. It all depends on your child and how keen or tired they are. Respect your child by respecting their pace.
I think you're ready! Here are fun, practical tips for a great home Baby Gym session.
