https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:30:03 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/at-18-months-old-what-structured-activities-would-you-recommend#post-1642328 Sat, 17 May 2014 21:31:35 +0000 tequiero21 1642328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think 18 months is the perfect time to start something. We did join my gym, but dropped it cuz I didn't like this one teacher. But I really liked it, had structured and no structured time and time for independent play. Right now though, we do a mommy n me program at a church. I think now is a better time for mommy n me type classes. Try going on meetup.com to find a group near your area. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/at-18-months-old-what-structured-activities-would-you-recommend#post-1642309 Sat, 17 May 2014 21:23:54 +0000 ChelseaRose 1642309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellocupcake: I found out from other moms who knew about the classes and from the local Facebook groups that we are all part of. You might want to look at any adult school, vocational schools, or even community colleges in your area to see if they have anything similar. We are actually moving to a similar program at a different school next academic year due to scheduling issues. You could also look into mommy and me programs at a preschool. The local community college offers one and the school my mom use to teach at does too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/at-18-months-old-what-structured-activities-would-you-recommend#post-1642269 Sat, 17 May 2014 20:58:58 +0000 hellocupcake 1642269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: I should call to see if they have a free class or even a tour or something. The closest MyGym is 45 minutes away :( no fair. </p> <p>@brownie: I definitely want something structured since I feel like we let her free play all day every day. :) I was hoping to get her as involved as possible since she'll be one of those kids that has to wait until they're almost 6 to start kindergarten :/ </p> <p>@Andrea: our library doesn't offer any programs. We just moved to a small town (read:middle of nowhere) and they don't have a lot of baby play group type activities. There's mostly seniors...that'll help us in 30 years. :)</p> <p> @ChelseaRose: How did you find out about the adult program? That sounds like a fun type if class, I like the variety :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/at-18-months-old-what-structured-activities-would-you-recommend#post-1641770 Sat, 17 May 2014 13:43:15 +0000 mrskc 1641770@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can you try out a class for free before you sign up? </p> <p>I've been taking DS to My Gym since he was 15 months and he really likes it. I like that it's not too structured because he really hates the structured parts of the class (like circle time). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/at-18-months-old-what-structured-activities-would-you-recommend#post-1641741 Sat, 17 May 2014 13:08:16 +0000 brownie 1641741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think those things are great for 18 months old. I love teaching those classes. Things I look for in a good program is that the parents are with them almost the entire time (some specific independent time is good). That the class is semi structured in which things happen in a pattern (warm up song, game, song, game, ending activity) but within those, running off is not an issue. Also, often at this age the kids just stand and stare. That's okay because you will see them through the week doing that activities even if they don't do them there. I like structure (myGym is great but too unstructured for me) but if you aren't into that, then make sure it is as unstructured as you want it to be.</p> <p>Make sure it is fun and entertaining. There are some programs that take themselves too serious. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/at-18-months-old-what-structured-activities-would-you-recommend#post-1641695 Sat, 17 May 2014 12:08:42 +0000 Andrea 1641695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think classes are totally worth it. She loves them and learns a lot. You can also all the free baby hours at different libraries. DD loves those and knows all the songs now at 16 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/at-18-months-old-what-structured-activities-would-you-recommend#post-1641595 Sat, 17 May 2014 10:25:37 +0000 ChelseaRose 1641595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son is 18 months old and has done My Gym since he was 9 months old. He loves it. We also go to a class at the local adult school that is technically a "parenting" class, but is really more like a mommy and me program. It's in a little preschool type classroom, there's an outside area, we do art projects, as well as break into small groups for discussions (with the rest of the moms managing the children). It was really affordable; around $200/semester (January-June) and that even included a field trip. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/at-18-months-old-what-structured-activities-would-you-recommend#post-1641586 Sat, 17 May 2014 10:20:29 +0000 hellocupcake 1641586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not sure if the wording is right...</p> <p>LO will be 18 months old next month and I am consideringr putting her into some sort of classes. But, is she really ready? Are those classes worth it? It's 50/month for one dance class a week. The price is a lot better than I imagined, so it's not the issue. I just wonder if she'll benefit from it. </p> <p>Pros: I don't have mommy friends with kids her age that we see often, this will give her a chance to interact with other kids her age </p> <p>Cons: this particular class is 18-36months old. If they are mostly 30+ months old, will LO be too small to really play with them? </p> <p>What's your experience? Any other classes I should look into that might be better than dance? Or should we wait until she hits the 24 month+ mark? </p>