[JennInSeattle]

I've been considering getting Nathan a membership over the past month. I took him to a play session and he was slow to open up but in the end loved it. He's just recently discovered other children and they fascinate him (he's 16 months). I went to the less expensive alternative to Gymboree Play here on the island and it was terrible (loud music constantly, make you sing forever, etc.).<br><br>
I'm torn between spending the $200 to get a 4 month membership (which includes unlimited gym use and they have great climbing toys) and just trying to motivate myself to take him to the park more (it's 80+ degrees here constantly) or organize more playdates.<br><br>
Any thoughts? I really am torn and don't feel like I'm getting good advice from family (they are wishy washy on the subject). <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[mom2noah]

Jenn, are you talking about Wee Play? We got once a week and Noah really loves it. There is a lot of singing though...<br><br>
The only main reason we go there and not Gymboree is because Wee Play is 5 minutes from my house <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[littleaugustbaby]

Maybe you could try a couple of regular playdates, and if he likes them, just stick with that. If they don't work out, or if you feel like something is missing, then you could sign up for Gymboree.

 

[luckylady]

I have taken my DD to Gymboree since she was 12 weeks old (though at that time it was more about me meeting other mommies!) And she has LOVED it. She recently lost interest in attending so we don't anymore. I think if you can afford it, it is worth the $$ but it is expensive.

 

[JennInSeattle]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>mom2noah</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Jenn, are you talking about Wee Play? We got once a week and Noah really loves it. There is a lot of singing though...<br><br>
The only main reason we go there and not Gymboree is because Wee Play is 5 minutes from my house <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"></div>
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Angie - Yeah, Wee Play drives me insane! :LOL I couldn't take it - I actually left a few minutes early because the music was SO loud! I asked if she could turn it down and she turned it down ever so slightly. I asked if the music was on all the time and she said it's on constantly. Plus the sitting in a circle and singing time was way too long for Nathan. He didn't like Wee Play very much at all but Gymboree was far more fun and had better things for him to play on. Of course that's just my experience. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1"><br><br>
Well, I've tried playdates and it seems to work out about once a month. I'm leaning toward playdates and going to the park at this moment - I know he'd enjoy Gymboree and I can afford it with Christmas money but I'd rather spend that on other stuff! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="innocent">

 

[TwinMom]

Alec LOVES his Gymboree class. Our Gymboree offers two afternoons of open gym as well as unlimited classes, so on bad-weather weeks we are often there 3 or 4 times a week. I would say definitely give it a try!

 

[LuckyMommaToo]

I'm voting for Gymboree -- Ronan loves his class, and I think it's good for them to socialize with other kids. If you have the Christmas money, go for it! Once a month is not very often for a playdate. One thing that's worked for us is to do it at the same time every week. So every Monday a group of us meet at two at the same playground. Anyway, have fun whatever you decide.<br>
-Erin

 

[ShadowMom]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>JennInSeattle</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Angie - Yeah, Wee Play drives me insane! :LOL I couldn't take it - I actually left a few minutes early because the music was SO loud! I asked if she could turn it down and she turned it down ever so slightly. I asked if the music was on all the time and she said it's on constantly. Plus the sitting in a circle and singing time was way too long for Nathan. He didn't like Wee Play very much at all but Gymboree was far more fun and had better things for him to play on. Of course that's just my experience. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1"><br><br>
Well, I've tried playdates and it seems to work out about once a month. I'm leaning toward playdates and going to the park at this moment - I know he'd enjoy Gymboree and I can afford it with Christmas money but I'd rather spend that on other stuff! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="innocent"></div>
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HEY! Are you JennInSeattle that used to be on the Pregnancy and Baby boards (when they were ezboard)???? If so, howdy! I remember you! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> Glad you and your baby (well, toddler now) are doing great.

 

[ctdoula]

What about finding/joining a local moms group or playgroup? I joined a New Moms Group when dd was a newborn. After we graduated (1yr) the moms with babies around the same age formed a play group. We meet every Tuesday morning, rotating houses. It's a great FREE way for dd to get some play time with other toddlers & a fun time for me to chat with the other moms. Try contacting the local library, hospital childbirth ed. dept, etc. Also, LLL may be a good way to find out about playgroups, etc.

 

[JennInSeattle]

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<div style="font-style:italic;">HEY! Are you JennInSeattle that used to be on the Pregnancy and Baby boards (when they were ezboard)???? If so, howdy! I remember you! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> Glad you and your baby (well, toddler now) are doing great.</div>
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:LOL Yep, that's me! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="innocent"><br><br>
How are you doing? It's good to see a familiar face! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br><br>
As for other groups, there are two mom's groups here in Hawaii but I've heard they aren't very AP friendly. There's about 7 mom's here on MDC who all live on this island but we seem to have a tough time getting our schedules together and we all live 20-30 minutes apart (with the exception of one gal who lives nearby). I could make a standing date every two weeks that might work.<br><br>
Can anyone tell me if there is anything concrete that says that socialization is important at this age? Just trying to make a decision here still! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">

 

[mom2noah]

Did you go to the Gymboree in Kaimuki? I'd like to check them out. I go to Wee Play because Noah adores it. He starts to laugh and get excited as soon as we start walking up the stairs! But the music drives me nuts too!

 

[JennInSeattle]

Honestly, if Nathan had loved it I might have tried to tolerate it better but he didn't have fun at all and the ball pit freaked him out!<br><br>
Yep, we went to the one in Kaimuki. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> Much better in my limited experience. The first time going to the play and the music is free so why not check it out? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"><br><br>
Oh and I'm trying SO hard to get this house clean by tomorrow - I really need to keep it cleaner on a regular basis but having a sick house for a week slowed down our natural cleaning cycle. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1">

 

[Too Busy]

My DD goes to a place called "My Gym"... its similar to Gymboree, its just closer to us to we chose them.<br><br>
She goes 3 days a week (with me or DH) to an hour-long free play session, then once weekly for a 45 minute, parent-lead, semi-structured class. She is a very physically engaged 13 mo with lots of energy and gets bored with our home after awhile. The unstructiured play combine with being with kids of all ages is wonderful for her. She always is so happy and sleeps so well on MyGym days! They have lots of mats and tramps and a ball pit with fun music. We are so glad we enrolled!<br><br>
I like that they completely clean everything daily and move the equipment completely each week to vary it for the kids. The owner works there along with three terrific helpers. They know all of the children personally and its just a great place!<br><br>
The only downside for us is that people sometimes bring in kids who are sick and as a result our DD has had a cold three times since enrolling... Grrrrr... and of course I get everything she has!

 

[mom2noah]

Jenn, don't worry about the cleaning your house <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> You should see mine right now!

 

[JennInSeattle]

Well thank you for your feedback, I definitely have appreciated it! It looks like we'll have money for Gymboree from Christmas even after the toys so I think I'll be getting a membership. I know he'll have fun with it and I'm a bit excited to get it for him but Dan hates spending that much on it! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="innocent"><br><br>
People gave us this money to spend on Nathan, why not? *sigh* Men!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/irked.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="irked">: <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1">

 

[Sandrine]

We don't have Gymboree. But we do have YMCA and the Early Yrs. The Early has organise a french playgroup at the YMCA. Dd1 Just loves going. We also go to the library that also have activities for young ones. They are both Free. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up">

 

[gigglesgalore]

We did Gymboree until DD was 16 mo and lost interested. She might have enjoyed the next level, but I started taking her to Music Together classes and we both enjoy it so much more.<br><br>
I know you mentioned too much singing at one of the places, but Music Together is so amazing. There's a lot of activity in the class and you get CDs to listen and play to during the week.<br><br>
Here's a link:<br><a href="http://www.musictogether.com/HTML%20Pages/citylocator.html" target="_blank">http://www.musictogether.com/HTML%20...tylocator.html</a>

 

[mraven721]

Jenn, I remember you from P and B too. Actually from the due dates boards. Anyway, my DS is also 16M old (duh) and we are starting Gymboree in January. Of course I used the excuse that it's cold here (in Michigan) so I couldn't take him to the park. But honestly I would want to go if it was 80 and sunny.<br>
We went to the sample class of music together and I loved it, but Carter didn't get into it very much. But I signed up anyways because the teacher promised that he should come around (other have). But then on a whim I decided to go to the Gymboree class and he had the time of his life. He laughed the whole time. Now he didn't want to do the circle stuff at the end but he got a lot more out of that then any playgroup I've been to. We loved it and I can't wait to start going! We signed up for 14 weeks and I think I'll take a leave of absence in the middle of that for 4 weeks to extend the fun a bit more into spring.<br><br>
OK, rambling on and on.....

 

[JennInSeattle]

Well now I'm torn! :LOL<br><br>
I went to the website for the Music Together program and called them. The schedule they have works with mine and the cost is comparable.<br><br>
Nathan loves music and used to play quite a bit on an electric piano I had when he was little. That said he hated Wee Play and Learn - they had circle time that was far too long and made you sing song after song with egg shakers, etc. He just wanted to run out and do something else.<br><br>
I asked the lady at Music Together what she thought of that experience and how he might react to Music Together. She said that a few children feel the desire to walk around and touch things or look at the instruments other children have and even though it seems like they aren't learning they really are. Many mothers have come back and said that as soon as the child got home they started singing the music or doing the movements with the music that were taught in class.<br><br>
She talked about the intruduction to minor keys and keys other than C & G major (like so much of child's music is currently in).<br><br>
It sounded good in theory but part of me wonders if we'd both have more fun at Gymboree. Even during circle time at Gymboree he did well because there were toys, tickling, running under the parachute, etc.<br><br>
*sigh* I'm such a poor decision maker! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="innocent"><br><br>
Right now I'm still leaning toward Gymboree or finding a free class. I checked the YMCA but they didn't have anything young enough. I checked and the zoo does have toddler time where you make crafts but I think he's a bit young for that still and Nana would have to take him which might be a bit much for her.<br><br>
Like I said, leaning toward Gymboree again at the moment.. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1"><br><br><br>
Oh and Hi Michelle!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> There are a number of P&B'ers here and I love seeing familiar faces! How has everything been? Man life has changed since pregnancy! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

 

[gigglesgalore]

I know what you mean about making decisions! I have a hard time, too. What is right for someone else may not be the thing for you, so go with your gut. It's only a 14 week commitment and anything you do will probably be fun.<br><br>
As for free, have you tried the library? Ours offers a "Babies and Books" playgroup for up to two, then a toddles storytime/playgroup, and then ones for older kids. They're great and incorporate age-appropriate activites.