Why Early Childhood Athletic Programs Matter: Spotlight on J&R’s Parent-Assisted Classes (Baby-Dactyls, Ig-One-adons, and Two-Rexes)
Physical activity is crucial for a child’s growth and development—but did you know that starting early can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and confidence?
At J&R Gymnastics, we believe in nurturing young athletes from the very beginning. Our Parent-Assisted classes, commonly referred to as Mommy and Me, starts with our Baby-Dactyls program for infants as young as six months, continues through Ig-One-adons for “tabies” walking confidently and at least 12 months of age, and leads into our Two-Rexes class for two-year-old toddlers ready to take on the world!
If you’re searching for the best early childhood athletic programs in New Braunfels, J&R Gymnastics has the perfect path for your little one.
Why Early Athletic Development is So Important
The first four years of life is a period of the most rapid brain development in a person’s life. Not to mention a foothold for essential motor skill growth and emotional bonding. Engaging young children in structured physical activity can:
- Boost balance and coordination by developing the Vestibular System
- Strengthen muscles and bones which not only aid in movement milestones but play a part in curbing bed-wetting and developing speech as well
- Develop social skills and teamwork
- Build early confidence and independence that lead to strong character
- Evolve healthy brain and body connections that lead to success in mathematics, emotional regulation, reading, writing, problem solving, and many other essential skills for life-long success.
Programs like early childhood gymnastics aren’t just about exercise—they help lay the groundwork for overall health, academic success, and a positive attitude toward physical activity.
Start Early with Baby-Dactyls (6 to 12 Months)
Our Baby-Dactyls program welcomes infants starting at six months of age!
In these playful sessions, tiny dino hatchlings explore their prehistoric world through baby-friendly activities developing essential skills like:
- Strength and coordination
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Sensory awareness and balance
- Neurological pathways between the hemispheres of the brain
Roam and Explore with Ig-One-adons (12 Months to 2.5 Years)
As babies grow into confident explorers on foot, they graduate to our Ig-One-adons program!
Designed for toddlers walking assuredly and aged 12 months to 2.5 years, these classes combine exploration with facilitated activities to support essential developmental milestones.
- Practice balance on beams
- Swing from bars to develop core and grip strength
- Develop coordination through crawling, climbing, and jumping
- Learn basic class structure and practice their best “listening roars”
With parents still involved as prehistoric partners, this stage encourages greater independence while reinforcing early skills in a supportive and playful environment..
Next Steps: Parent-Assisted Classes for Infants and Toddlers Ready to Soar
From as early as 6 months, your child has the opportunity to enroll in our engaging Mommy and Me gymnastics classes designed to develop essential fundamental skills leading to a child’s lifelong success. Once your child is confidently walking and exploring, they can transition from Baby-Dactyls into our next level of Mommy and Me gymnastics classes called Ig-One-Adons. As they master the next milestone of following a pathway and actively participating in facilitated activities, they are ready to move into the last level of Mommy and Me gymnastics classes called Two-Rexes. As your baby dino grows into a toddler-rex, our goal in these parent assisted programs is to provide a fun, active way to continually support their athletic and developmental journey to independence.
Key Features of Our Parent-Assisted Program:
- Age-Appropriate Activities: Designed to strengthen balance, agility, and early gymnastics skills.
- Parent Participation: Fostering close parent-child bonds through movement and play.
- Expert Coaching: Led by our professional instructors with a focus on safety and encouragement.
- Positive Atmosphere: Every achievement is celebrated, big or small!
With parents still involved as prehistoric partners, this stage encourages greater independence while reinforcing early skills in a supportive and playful environment..
The Lasting Benefits of Starting Gymnastics Early
Enrolling in early childhood gymnastics programs like Baby-Dactyls, Ig-One-adons, and Two-Rexes (our versions of Mommy and Me Gymnastics classes) offers lasting advantages, including:
- Better physical fitness and agility
- Increased focus and listening skills
- Early social development and teamwork
- Boosted confidence and independence
- A lifelong love for movement, learning, and healthy habits
- Neurological pathway development between the brain’s hemispheres
Starting early builds strong roots—for gymnastics and beyond!
Join the J&R Gymnastics Family Today
Whether your child is starting to crawl, exploring the world, or taking their first confident steps, J&R Gymnastics is here to support their journey.
Our Baby-Dactyls, Ig-One-adons, and Two-Rexes (AKA Mommy and Me or parent assisted classes) are open for enrollment—come experience the fun, growth, and community that make J&R Gymnastics the best place for little athletes to shine!