21 Tips for Success when Teaching Parent-Tot Classes

How to Feel Good Teaching Parent-Toddler Gymnastics Classes

For a long time, I felt intimidated teaching parent-toddler classes. I knew nothing about babies, let alone teaching gymnastics to babies, and it felt really weird having parents in my class. What do I do!?! Fast-forward 15 years...would you believe that today it is one of my very favorite groups to teach?

If the thought of leading parent-tots makes you want to run from the gym screaming, and you'd like to cut out the awkwardness and replace it with confidence – I've got you covered. Here are some tips for teaching an awesome parent-toddler class.

Why Should You Care About Being a Great Parent-Tot Teacher?

1. It’s a Specialty Skill.
Coaches who have spent time honing their parent-toddler classes are an asset to a gym and can be a stand-out value-add on your resume. 

2. Long-Term Growth Potential.
The babes in parent-tot have the potential to grow for the longest amount of time in your program. Setting a strong foundation and love for gymnastics now, paired with developing relationships with the parents, primes them to be committed for long-term retention.

3. Cognitive Development.
Participating in gymnastics enhances the brain's cognitive development. The variety of activities in gymnastics help with deductive reasoning skills, verbal communication, reading readiness, spatial awareness, inhibitory control, and much, much more. (Give it a Google!)

21 Tips for Success:

1. Be consistent and patient.
2. Always stay positive.
3. A schedule is a must, but don't worry if you get off-track a bit.
4. Keep circle time short.
5. If they have a ton of energy, run or dance it out!
6. Make a personal connection with each child.
7. Utilize lots of props and visuals.
8. Use redirection rather than saying "no".
9. Play with them during free play or open gym time.
10. Be at their level when talking to them.
11. Always be next to them when talking to them, never from across the room.
12. Engage in conversation with them.
13. Give them time to understand and try things (if they can be done safely) on their own before helping.
14. Stick to a routine and always let them know what's coming next.
15. Be prepared to go off topic and have backup activities planned. Open gym time, a dance party, the bubble machine, and simple parachute activities are all great go-tos.
16. Make things their size so they can navigate around the circuits easily.
17. Nurture a friendly and helpful relationship with the parent. Offer tips for navigating the circuit and spotting.
18. Make it a point to notice milestones, haircuts, new leotards, etc. Verbally communicating that you notice helps to strengthen your relationship with parent and child.
19. Don't underestimate their abilities. Teach them real gymnastics and supplement circuits with developmentally-appropriate large and small motor activity stations.
20. Literally NEVER stop moving, helping, and teaching. You should be the hardest-working person in the group!
21. HAVE FUN!

Do you need support to put the pieces together? Book a coaching session with me.

It can take practice to go from feeling intimidated to loving teaching Parent-Tot, but it's well worth it!  Are there any tips you would add to the list?

What tips and tricks have you learned along the way to master the art of the parent-toddler class? Share in the comments below! 🌟