Athletically challenged Brisbane Mum seeks Feecback

[MammaMia]

Morning all - I'm assuming that we have all been up for some time, because goodness knows, we'd never want a sleep in on a Sunday.;)

Here's my dilemma...

I am and always have been athletically challenged.
I was always the last to be picked for a sports team at school. I was last in every race. My primary school PE teacher ended up picking me up & throwing me over the high jump bar because even though in my mind I had winged feet & was incredibly graceful, in reality I was unco-ordinated and clueless when it came to all things sporting.

So, now I have a 3 yo son and in the way of boys, he is becoming a real boy - loads of energy all bursting to get out. DH & I think it would help him to get involved in something that is enjoyable but develops his co-ordination. Whilst DH was relatively co-ordinated, the echoes of my parents' laughter as they told him that our DS runs just like his mother are ringing in his ears and he (as I do) fears the worst for his athletic prowess.

I was wondering... has anyone tried out gymboree or other classes?

All feedback gratefully received.

Signed
My Mum wrote me a sick note for every Sports Carnival in High School & for that alone, I am eternally grateful!

[caitsmum]

Have you thought about a toddler gym? Lawnton Gym has a great program for the small kids. My girls have a great time. Good for co-ordination ect.. They are all absolutely stuffed at the end of the session so it is also a great energy outlet.

Good Luck

Therese

[draught]

Mumma Mia
DH is a sportsperson extrodinaire and I am also athleticly challenged so I empathise completely! (and a big spelling challenged today too - some of those words just look wrong but I am too tired to double check them!)

I can recommend the tiny tots gym at PCYC at Suncorp stadium - is only costs $6 a session after paying the $16.50 joining fee (MUCH cheaper than gymboree) you can go any day of the week without a booking and it is great for kids climbing, running, dancing, palying with balls, etc. The 14 month - 2 1/2 year calss is 9.30 and the 2 1/2 to 5 year class is at 10.30 - you can attend a couple of sessions without paying the joining fee so check it out!

[sopolicha]

All of the PCYC's have some sort of gymmie activities for that age. It is on thier website.

Like Theresa said cheaper than Gymoboree and you don't have to go at the same time every week.

Good for mummy to as you have to follow you child around.

[MammaMia]

Thanks - will look into those options. Really wanting to combine fun with energy. Might pay off for him and me... if he has a good daytime nap afterwards!

Just hope that I can keep up with him! Not getting any younger or fitter!:D

[2kids]

Mammamia, as soon as I saw the words "Athletically Challenged" I had to respond. I was always the slowest runner, the worst swimmer, the most clumsy and couldn't even catch a ball. I thought I was the only one on this planet afflicted in this way. I was so glad to finish school so that I didn't have to face the embarrassment on the sports field!

Anyway, I have married the opposite to myself in this area, my bloody husband is good at everything, damn him. Thankfully my son (4 1/2) seems to be taking his genes and can run very well, catches a ball well and is sturdy on his feet. The only thing is he is extremely cautious and takes a bit of pushing to try new things, like riding his bike and swimming. (I think that is why I was so hopeless, was too scared to try). So I make a huge effort to encourage him and keep telling him he is improving big time. Now he swims well and is getting better at riding. We have an 8 mth old daugher now and I'm hoping she takes after DH side also. DH has a sister who was the brainiest as well as the winner of all school carnivals. (Yes I hate her guts, luckily she lives in the UK!)

As for sports for tots, try PCYC they have kindergym type of activities. DS is starting a 4-5 group this year. We got our son a trampoline, experts say it's the best thing for improving coordination in children. Do a lot yourself at home, throw/kick/roll balls of all sizes, bike riding, run around the backyard. We also have totem tennis. Shuttlecock, kids criket sets and golf sets. Anything and everything. I'm really encouraging the whole athletic thing with my children because, to be honest, it makes you feel very isolated when you're hopeless at sports, because its such a big part of our school/social culture.

Sorry this is soo long, just a big concern for myself. Just want my children to enjoy sports and to feel confident!

2kids

[Lee75]

Hi,


We have been going to Gymboree for 2.5 years now, but 2006's first term will be the first time we're not enrolling. Because we've been going for so long I've enrolled DD in dance instead. Having said that Gymboree is fantastic and the 3-4 program is really great for boys (we were going to this class at the end of last year). There may be cheaper options out there and I'm sure they are good too, I did enquire about the suncorp play but didn't ever follow through. We often go to the park with a ball or frisby, and now we're older we might take a kite, and even though I'm not terribly athletic either we have fun and DD has a chance to climb and play in a big grass area (we have no grass at home). We also go to swimming lessons most weeks and then stay to play after. Newmarket pool is good because they have a toddler pool, medium pool and play equiptment aswell...

Cheers,

L

[MammaMia]

Thanks for those ideas.

Good to know that my athletic plight has found a sympathetic ear with other afflicted athletes.

Now to try to teach my son some coordination. :)