If money is tight for enrichment class(es)...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have been doing Music Together since our kids were 6 months old. Inexpensive and wonderful for the kids.

+1

Music Together is a GREAT program and DC is thriving since he started taking the classes at 15 months old. He is now playing musical instruments, tapping hands to the songs, and it's something we look forward to every week.

[Anonymous]

I have two kids. We only did one class a week when they were that age and only during the winter. The parks are great in NW DC! Have your child get out and run, he will have plenty of circle time when he hits preschool. You also can go to the zoo and museums. Get out and have fun! Save the classes for winter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly if money is tight, I'd save it for something more useful. There is absolutely nothing that a 1yo gets out of baby music class or gym class that s/he can't get from the gazillion free story times, open gyms, etc. You can entertain a 14 month old with one hand tied behind your back - you reallly don't need to pay for it!! I think of baby enrichment classes as excuses for moms to meet (nothing wrong with that of course), ways to get the nanny out of the house or off the phone, or FTM guilt-trip exercises. Really, unless you're truly bored or made of money, you won't bother with this stuff for baby #2 until s/he hits at least 3 or 4yo when they actually can appreciate it.

As the mom of a seven year old, I totally agree. Before the age of three, my child's social interactions were on the playground with nanny and other children; nannies agreed to meet up at set times with charges. Key (and crucial) lesson learned - don't throw sand at other people At three, I think he began "swimming" lessons and we paid for soccer and yoga at child care -- and we're off! Costs mount quickly depending on child's interests, so consider putting that money aside and saving it for when he announces he wants to play hockey, or learn to play tennis, or a musical instrument...or all three. Plus tai kwan do. Not to mention after-school activities (I said "no" to Spanish club, and my child just started participating anyway; so okay, I paid.) All this will happen soon enough.

Sorry if I sound dismissive; didn't mean to. 14 months is a simply wonderful age; thanks for inspiring me to look back for a moment, that was nice. I admire that you are thinking seriously abut budgeting for these activities. That is very smart.

[Anonymous]

My daughter has been playing soccer since 16months and WE ALL love to stay active! It's cheap and we go over the drills in our free time with her.

[Anonymous]

Don't waste your money. Put it in his college fund instead. Find a playgroup or take him to the park or an indoor "gym." THose classes are largely for the mother.

[Anonymous]

14 mo doesn't need "enrichment" classes. dear God.

[Anonymous]

I would wait until he is 5. Honestly, having two school-age kids now, I think everything was a taste of money until my oldest one started his travel soccer league.
You could enrich him for free at home. Do you have Internet?

[Anonymous]

I agree, but for a toddler with a nanny, enrichment
literally creates the opportunity for social skills and
physical development.
I would not do music but sports are great.

[Anonymous]

My eldest child participated in music classes at that age (MusicKids in Bethesda) and it was wonderful. I recall we paid per session, not per month, but I don't recall the price. However, I realize now that she didn't really need any classes at that age. Wtih my second child we waited until age 2 to start classes. He has participated in preschool age music classes, soccer (Soccerbugs at Rockville Sportsplex), some sports classes through the county recreation department, and gymnastics (has done Little Gym and Dynamite Gymnastics). If you definitely want to get started with classes now -- I tend to think that music classes are best for this age group and then move on to sports classes as they get older (2/3 years old). Music Together offers specially priced classes through the county rec department and sometimes through certifikid.

[Anonymous]

This is nice, but should not be a priority when the budget it tight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have been doing Music Together since our kids were 6 months old. Inexpensive and wonderful for the kids.

+1

Music Together is a GREAT program and DC is thriving since he started taking the classes at 15 months old. He is now playing musical instruments, tapping hands to the songs, and it's something we look forward to every week.

I'm sure the class is fun, but trust me, your 15 should be clapping and playing instruments without a $25/hour class.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried a class at a county rec center?
The classes end up being around $ 10 a class, music, swimming, karate, ballet, etc .we live in fairfax county

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in NW DC. Gymboree in Alexandira is over $80 a month. Language Stars is $198 a month. Another music class at Swathmore is like $150 a month.

$150/month for 2 classes? I wish!

You probably won't be able to get into Arlington Parks and Rec gymnastics (registration tends to fill up during resident enrollment), but it would be more budget friendly even with the non-resident fees. It might be possible to get a weekday morning class for summer. Class is for 18 months and up though so not sure if he'd meet that by the July start date.

This place is $149 a month for unlimited classes and they also have open play time...seems like one of the better deals for me, but I can't personally recommend it having never been there, it's just a place I've heard of, probably on this site: http://www.jonahstreehouse.com/classes/members.html

[Anonymous]

Try to include him in a sport or something you can't do on your own