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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that "She'll just have to do it backwards" isn't a good solution?

32 replies

pastaplease · 07/12/2010 19:46

It's not a big problem, but I wondered if I'm being unreasonable...

DD (2.5) is doing well at Tumble Tots. In fact she finds it too easy and starts to run around the room with boredom. The next class up is for 3 years+.

Today, the teacher said that DD is capable of doing the next class but she's too young, so from January, she has to walk along all of the equipment backwards, to keep her stimulated and engaged with it.

This seems weird to me. Every other child will be walking forwards, but DD is expected to do it backwards. Will it do her head in?? Should I ask if she can go up into the next class, or do you think I'd look like a pushy parent (which I'm really not, by the way!)

In her swimming classes she's been put 'up' a class and, although the other children are 3 and older, nobody seems to mind or even notice.

Hmmmmm. Am I being unreasonable to think backwards walking is not a good solution and that I should ask to go to the next class up?

Thank you! :)

OP posts:
moomaa · 07/12/2010 19:48

How about ditching tumble tots and doing a class at a local sports centre? If they see she has potential they will be keen to move along at her pace.

Original poster
pastaplease · 07/12/2010 19:50

Thanks, moomaa, we did a class at the local rec centre but it wasn't much cop. It was very busy, so DD was bored waiting for each piece of equipment, so it didn't work very well.

OP posts:
podsquash · 07/12/2010 19:51

the thing about the 3+ class at t tots is that parents don't sit with the child or help them on the eqpt. Not sure if this makes a diff to you?

Brollyflower · 07/12/2010 19:51

Yep, you've found a reason to bin tumbletots Grin.

TattytinsellooksDevine · 07/12/2010 19:54

It will be a developmental thing. She might be physically able, but there's a world of difference between about 2 and a half and 3 when it comes to following instructions, doing as you are told, waiting your turn, following the leader, that kind of thing - a lot happens in that 6 months and she might impact the class if she's not quite there yet.

Original poster
pastaplease · 07/12/2010 19:54

Thanks, podsquash, DD does it all on her own anyway though. I wonder if it's an insurance thing.

Brollyflower, I wonder if there are any decent alternatives. As I mentioned, the local rec centre class is rubbish. DD loves it (although causes chaos because she's impatient waiting for the other children at Tumble Tots), so I wouldn't want to give up on that sort of thing altogether.

OP posts:
create · 07/12/2010 19:54

Oh , in a few years time you will laugh at yourself for being soo pleased with her progress at Tumble Tots. Grin

Does she enjoy it? Will she like going backwards? Those are the only things that matter and if not, stop taking her.

Original poster
pastaplease · 07/12/2010 19:55

Yes, Tatty, you must be right. DD is no good at being patient, and that's the problem. Maybe I should take her out and wait until she's 3. Shame for her to miss out on it though.

OP posts:
Original poster
pastaplease · 07/12/2010 19:56

create, I'm not writing this because I'm pleased with her progress. Why do you say I'll laugh though? I'm just wondering if I'm unreasonable to think that going backwards will be weird. I don't think she'd enjoy doing something differently from all of the other children.

OP posts:
Original poster
pastaplease · 07/12/2010 20:01

Does anyone know of an alternative to Tumble Tots, please? I'm in the South West.

OP posts:
LadyViper · 07/12/2010 20:03

she might like going backwards

PrettyCandlesAndTinselToo · 07/12/2010 20:17

My ds does a Kindergym class at a local athletics club. I don't think it's part if the Kindergym franchise, but they sound similar. The equipment is scaled for all ages up to and including adult, so there's plenty of variety and challenge.

Try Googling Kindergym, and also look at British Gymnastics Association.

Ds was allowed to move up to the unaccompanied class early, but only because the coach felt he could behave appropriately, and on the understanding that he would be moved back if it didn't work out. (Not punitively, just practical.)

ballstoit · 07/12/2010 20:21

You could just take her to your local park and encourage her to go on the monkey bars and climbing frame.

bubbleymummy · 07/12/2010 20:35

DS1 age 4 does gymnastics and some of their exercises involve going backwards. It does develop balance and confidence in their movements etc so I don't think it would be a waste of time. I do agree that she may struggle with following instructions, waiting turns etc in an older class but you obviously know her best :)

sausagewrappedinbacon · 07/12/2010 20:40

I felt a right plonker at Tumble Tots Xmas Blush

ShanahansRevenge · 07/12/2010 20:41

Well it seems silly....my DD was moved up recently in her Gymnastics class...she's 6 but as gone in with mostly 8 to 10 year olds...you shouldask at the loal sports centre abut proper Gymnastics lessons. Ours is starting a toddler one soon.

QuintessentialShadows · 07/12/2010 20:42

Dont waste your money on tumble tots, if this is their solution. It sounds barking.

SkiingGardeningTwinklyBauble · 07/12/2010 20:46

Going backwards is not a bad idea. It's something I taught in ski lessons. It stretched those at the top of the class as they had to work out new muscle movement patterns to do what they wanted to do (stop, turn etc.) but it also helped those struggling as it improved their co-ordination.

For a lesson or two it could be great for your DD. More than that and it would just seem a way to keep taking your money.

How about taking a 6 month break and having lots of try-outs at various sports. Just fun having a go at whatever is to hand.

Kewcumber · 07/12/2010 20:47

their solution does sound a bit nuts. But I think the 3yr old class may be unaccompanied and 2.5 does sound a bit young for that (if it isn;t then tell them its either the 3 yr old class or you're leaving!) Our tumble tots person is much more flexible (it may be that they don;t have space in the class).

I have done repeated other classes, gymn association etc and my DS found them all extremely tedious and no fun at all. The only gymclass locally which has a good rep has a waiting list so long that I think he'd be 21 before he got into one.

(PS I hate TT but my lovely mum takes him and they both seem to enjoy it so everyone wins!)

Kewcumber · 07/12/2010 20:49

"You could just take her to your local park and encourage her to go on the monkey bars and climbing frame." well of course you could and most people do don;t they? Its not like childrne who do tumble tots never get out and play at other times, but most mothers of small childrne like to do one or two organised activities a week don't they? I know I did at that age - it hard doing it on your own all the time.

QuintessentialShadows · 07/12/2010 20:50

I give mine a full on hot dinner at tea time because I am not too sure how much they eat. They always seem to be starving at that time anyway.

QuintessentialShadows · 07/12/2010 20:50

TOTALLY wrong thread. Sorry. Confused

mamatomany · 07/12/2010 20:53

Gym absolutely ruins your knee's it's put me off sending my daughter seeing the state of the local dance teachers joints aged 40.

crispface · 07/12/2010 20:55

whereabouts in the southwest are you ? I know of somewhere in Plymouth.

belindarose · 07/12/2010 20:56

Where in south west? Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay gym clubs all have toddler sessions. We go to Exeter and certainly no child is bored.