Educating your toddler: Mother and Me Classes: Part II

In the previous part of this two part series we saw the need and understood the essence of actually taking a Mother and me class. This post will explore the advantages of this kind of class.

The Benefits of Mother and Me Class:

1) It is a great bonding activity.

Parent and Child classes offer a wonderful opportunity for bonding. Bonding provides a sense of security and fosters a positive self esteem. Bonding is necessary to help your little one grow and flourish. In a mommy and me class you will interact together, or just participate in similar activities that will promote bonding.

2) It can help your child develop cognitive, social, and gross motor skills.

Many mommy and me classes will help with your child's overall development. For example, in mommy and me music classes such as Kindermusik or Music Together, your child can develop early literacy skills and more. It can help them acquire reasoning skills, increase self- control, and cultivate a lifelong love for music. In other classes, such as gym classes offered, your child will develop strength and gross motor skills. They might learn how to throw a ball, jump, hop or more.

3) It is a fantastic way to make new friends.

A class offers you a wonderful opportunity to make friends and meet other moms. This is a great chance for your little one to find a new buddy, and for you to build a new friendship with another mom. Friendships can make a tremendous difference in your journey through motherhood.

4) It can help alleviate a feeling of loneliness.

This benefit applies to stay at home moms mostly. Sometimes, at-home moms will feel very lonely. A parent and child class can help alleviate those feelings of loneliness. It gives you something to do, can help provide a break in the day or week, and can help you make friends.

5) It can help prepare your child for school.

A mommy and me class is agreat way to prepare your children to be around other kids. It can help your child get used to being in a structural setting, help them learn how to follow directions, and much more. It's a less anxiety-provoking way of getting your child ready for the classroom.

6) Prevents postpartum depression

Bonding with your child is a great way to alleviate and prevent postpartum depression. It also helps promote security and self-esteem in both the child and adult. By taking the time to do something beneficial for the body helps to improve overall attitude and outlook on life.

7) Increase in the level of confidence:

Both mothers and children have reported an increase in the level of their self confidence after taking a Mother and Me class. Kids are more likely to interact with other kids and express themselves in a healthier, stronger and more individualistic way. Mothers on the other hand have found that they are better equipped in dealing with their own wards in a more confident, controlled manner.

8) Setting a healthy example

Another benefit is that these classes allow you an opportunity to set a healthy example by showing our children that you take the time to exercise and keep a healthy lifestyle. It is a great way to be a model of how to make health a priority in your lives. This is especially important with childhood obesity on the rise.