Many parents of toddlers are trying to balance it all. Work, day care, family time, dinner, play dates... the list goes on and on. Next thing you know, your kid is old enough to participate in organized activities! There are so many things for parents to choose from and martial arts is usually the first choice.
The main challenge parents run into is that most martial arts gyms won't take kids until a certain age (which varies from gym to gym). Four to six years old is usually the range where many gyms start their kids programs. Until then, there are still activities that you can get your kid involved with that will greatly benefit their overall physical health before they join martial arts.
Barrier to entry: Minimal (cost of a soccer ball to get started!)
Soccer is one of the few sports kids can start playing from a very early age. New parents can start to have their kids easily work on balance, eye-to-feet coordination, and cardio for the low cost of a small soccer ball. Soccer is also a team support so it encourages kids to play with others and play games. Fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie from an early age.
Check out your local area for recreational clubs and teams. You should be able to find a Fall (September to November) and Spring (February to March) season available near you as many clubs don't have a recreational season during winter. These clubs will generally charge a few by season so you're able to anticipate cost, time commitment, and scheduling. You can also reach out to any friends or family in the area as they'll probably have soccer club recommendations also.
Most of these clubs also encourage parents to sign up as volunteer coaches for their kids teams providing additional opportunities to spend quality time with your little ones.
Barrier to entry: Minimal (find a local body of water!)
Swimming is one of the most important, fun, and life-saving skills a kid can learn at a young age. Most new parents start off by either finding a body of water near by (river, lake, local pool, ocean) to take their little ones to experience swimming for the first time. Signing up your kid for a few lessons is the most effective way to ensure your kids learn life-saving skills like: treading water, breathing techniques, and water safety.
Recreational facilities and some fitness centers, like 24 Hour Fitness or LA Fitness, offer youth swim lessons to teach kids swimming basics. These lessons often begin with basics like getting used splashing around or floating to advanced swimming strokes (butterfly stroke, flip turns, etc.) Most venues are also indoors (unlike outdoor soccer) and protected from the elements ☀️🥵🌦🥶.
Being from Hawaii, I was introduced to the ocean a very young age and developed a strong respect for the water. I feel very fortunate and blessed to have grown up near the ocean. I also recognize that access to a pool or body of water is limited for many people. My next recommendation is a great alternative for those who may not have access to a body of water.
Barrier to entry: Minimal (find a local playground)
Kids love a trip to the local playground! The jungle gym, the swings, and the bark chips develop some the best memories kids have at this age. It's a time where you as a parent can snap a few selfies with the kiddos before they run free and burn off some energy.
Playgrounds are a place for kids to test their physical boundaries. Jumping, running, balancing, and swinging are just a few of the skills your kid will pick up at the playground. It's also a fun place to meet other kids their age and present opportunities to play/interact with others.
While playgrounds are susceptible to the elements and seasons, there is a growing trend of indoor facilities like Parkour gyms. These facilities often provide Ninja Warrior-esque classes where kids can learn to jump, climb, and run safely. For families looking for more structured tumbling, the next recommendation is perfect!
Barrier to entry: High
Last on the list is gymnastics! Gymnastics teaches kids a plethora of skills much like martial arts. Strength and flexibility are the key physical foundations. Ensuring that kids can bend easily while maintaining strong movements with just their own bodyweight. Through this balance of flexibility and strength, kids will develop a sense of balance and spatial awareness that is important in martial arts.
Through discipline and focus kids will learn many different techniques that use various parts of their body. Building confidence with each attempt until all of these skills become instinct. Kids will also learn to work with other and develop relationships with other kids along the way
Through all of the above, the main goal at this age is to keep them moving. Getting kids in the habit of consistent physical activity will pay dividends as they get older and life gets busier. The habit of physical activity is transferable to aspects of life beyond martial arts and sports.
What activities are your kids enjoying? What other types of activities do you like for your family? Leave a comment below and let us know!