When our family of four moved to Atlanta, I needed friends. And so did our two young daughters. Our neighborhood showed signs of little kids, but the 90-degree weather kept families inside with their A/Cs. I felt lonely and didn’t want to wait until the weather cooled off to meet other moms. That’s when I started speed-dating indoor mommy and me programs in the area. Swim classes, library story times, MOPs, yoga—we tried them all, until finally clicking with a group in a music class. We’d found our tribe!
Seeing those families became a much-anticipated part of our weekly routine for all three of us. Are you thinking about signing you and your toddler up for a class together? Try these 10 been-there-done-that tips for making the most of mommy and me programs.
1. Show up for each class.
Sounds easy enough in theory, right? But as a mom, you know how much goes into getting ready to walk out the door. After all, you need to get yourself and your child (or two or three) ready and remember to pack snacks and sippy cups. And sometimes, it seems easier to skip class after a late night or early morning wake-up call from your little one.
Mom, go anyway. No one understands what you went through to get to that class quite like the other moms who fought their own battles to get there. You need each other.
2. Get there 10 minutes early.
Psst. Mom, this tip is a secret weapon for more than just mommy and me programs. Arriving 10 minutes early anywhere gives your little one time to warm up to the new setting before the class starts. Struggling to transition from one thing to another is normal behavior for a toddler. Those extra 10 minutes can give him the time needed for a smoother transition, which means you can begin the class much more relaxed, too.
3. Make friends.
You need friends just like your child does. While what happens in the class may be child-focused, it doesn’t mean it’s a class exclusively for your child. The moms you’ll meet in those classes get you. They know what it’s like to be parenting a child the same age as yours. And while you might not find your new bestie, you will most certainly find moms who can relate to (and share tips on!) potty training, transitioning to a big kid bed, or getting a child to eat more than chicken nuggets.
4. Wear those yoga pants.
Mommy and me programs involve lots of moving or sitting on the floor. So you may as well be comfortable. Yoga pants, sweatpants, pajama bottoms, cozy shorts… You get the idea. In some classes, you may lift your child high above your head or zoom around the room. It can be more of a workout than you’d expect. Go ahead and dress the part.
5. Follow your child’s lead.
Every child responds differently to a structured class. Some will sit on their moms’ laps. Others will explore the whole room. There is no right or wrong way for your child to participate. Our oldest daughter tended to observe the first couple of classes before putting herself in the thick of the action. Our youngest daughter would literally pretend to be asleep until the teacher moved on to something she loved. Then she’d miraculously wake up.
6. Actively participate in the class.
Just as you follow your child’s lead, she’ll also follow yours. If your child hears you belting out that “Hello” song at the start, her sweet little voice will be more likely to blend in with yours. And, hey, since you’re wearing those yoga pants anyway (see point 4), you may as well leap like a frog, sit criss-cross applesauce, or dance around with your toddler.
7. Turn off your phone and your internal to-do list.
Be in the moment. It’s OK not to record every single thing your child does. Some of the best video replays happen in the memories held in your heart. Oh, and that to-do list of yours—it will still be there in 45 minutes when the class ends.
8. Relax and have fun.
Laugh. Snuggle. Rediscover the wonder of the world through your child’s eyes. And enjoy this time getting to know your new friends.
9. Take it home with you.
Sing the songs. Play the games. Your child will be most comfortable at home, and you might be surprised how much he is taking in during class. Invite some of your new friends over for a playdate, a meet-up at the playground, or set up a picnic after class to eat lunch.
10. Give it time.
If your child is slow to warm up, it can take him several weeks of attending consistently to become comfortable. And it can take you time to get to know other moms, too. Remember number 1? Show up.
What’s been your favorite experience with mommy and me programs?
