There really isn't much I can get my son into yet, right? He's only 19 months old, but he really doesn't get any socialization right now and I'm concerned that he doesn't really play with other children. The only thing I could think of was karate, but I really think he's even too younger for that.
you can try a play group or sometime gymnastics has a tumbling toddler class...music together classes are great at his age also. Swim lessons ususllay begin for children that age. But also look into your local childrens museums and librairys for free playgroups or story times. My daughter started going to the infant/ toddler story times at like 5 months old and she still loves going at two years old.
I would check these places for programs for that age:
-town park and rec dept
-local YMCA
-public library
-corporations like Gymboree, My Gym, Music Together, Makin'Music etc.
-join a Mom's group...try http://www.momsclub.org/ to find a local chapter, then sign up to be in a playgroup; read about groups in newspapers
-google: toddler program, toddler music, toddler activity etc.
Also, don't worry at this age. They do "parallel play"...playing alongside other children, but not really with them. Some kids will watch others and maybe learn something new. It can be really helpful for you to connect with other moms of kids that are a similar age.
Any Boys & Girls clubs, YMCAs in your area? Does your town or neighboring town have an active recreation department? I live in Somerville, and the Arlington B&G Club and Recreation Commission have great tot programs. Libraries may also have storytimes or singalongs, though I remember when my daughter was ~19 months, she didn't have the interest/attention span to sit through them!
I wouldn't worry too much about his age and socialization. They play side by side until about 3 years old, but classes and such for your son's age is more to meet the parents of same-age kids w/ compatible personalities, to foster friendships as the kids grow older. Also, as the weather gets warmer, just go to playgrounds on a regular basis, you might meet other regulars too.
Good luck!
Hi C.
I just saw your posting about getting your son into something social so... I thought I'd give you some info on my business, BABYSTEPS, which is specifically geared to toddlers for this exact reason. They all need to get out and make some friends!
We are located in North Andover and have a lot of classes to offer you and your child that include dance, music, gym and athletic classes, all classes are structured for his specific age and grow with him so he is always accomplishing new things each day and making friends along the way!
We also have a new class starting in September, Mamma Mambo, a high energy dance and workout class targeted toward you but taken by both you and your child. The best part about our whole program is that it is drop-in so you aren't stuck with a specific day and time once you sign up. You can come and go as you please for $10 a day (2 hours of classes) or $50/ month for unlimited classes (We are open 5 days/ week).
We are open Tues-Sat 9-12pm and our fall session begins Saturday September 6th
(Open House Mon-Fri, August 4-22nd 9-12pm). Please call us ###-###-#### or visit our website for more info www.nancychippendalesdancestudios.com and then click Babysteps under programs.
Look forward to hearing from you and hopefully meeting you and your son soon!
-K.
Director of Babysteps
