WORDS BY ERICA NEWTON, MYFIRSTGYM CO-FOUNDER
I loved the toddler stage. Despite the tantrums, the mess and my role as an actual piece of climbing equipment, it was a beautiful season of life. To be the centre of my gorgeous kid’s universe was bliss. I was their favourite person. Their safe place. Their snack provider.
The only problem was that I was the centre of their universe.
Sometimes, I just wanted to not be “Mum, mum, mum, mum!” but ‘Erica’ in a real live adult conversation. In my wildest fantasy, I might even sit in rare and luxurious silence. But then, I also wanted the kids to sit still occasionally which was a rarity. Hey ho.
I realised pretty quickly that toddlers are, by design, Tasmanian devils on red cordial. They’re wired to explore, learn and move to build all those skills that would help them become capable, adept, resilient adults. Crawling into small spaces, jumping from soft furnishings, weaving at pace through hard objects… it’s exhausting to watch but vital for development.
The Toddler and Movement Connection
More and more, experts are recognising the impact of movement (or lack thereof) in the early years isn’t just important for physical development. Emotional wellbeing, confidence, coordination, problem-solving, injury reduction (tell that to every hard/sharp corner in my house) and social skills are all developed under the umbrella of exercise. Even the Australian Government recognises the importance of physical activity, stating that children under five years old “should be active for at least 3 hours each day” including energetic play.
Three hours.
Honestly, it explains how a toddler can suddenly sprint around the house five times followed by 15 minutes of acrobatics on the trampoline when you thought they were ‘definitely tired’.
The Importance of Early Movement
The Department of Health confirms this rather dramatic distinction around physical activity. Movement isn’t separate from learning: it is learning.
They attribute physical activity to the following crucial health benefits:
⭐ achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
⭐ build strong bones and muscles.
⭐ improve balance, movement and coordination skills.
⭐ promote mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
⭐ promote better learning and thinking.
In other words, all that climbing, jumping, swinging, balancing and crawling isn’t just ‘play’. They’re literally building the foundation for future learning and development.
You can leave it to the local playground, but let’s face it: when it’s cold, wet, dark, you’re on your last ounce of energy or you really can’t stand another solo round of “Mum-mum-mum-mum look at this!” drops leaf dramatically from swing … suddenly a toddler movement class sounds less bougie and more when-can-we-start?
Why Structured Movement Classes Help Toddlers
Now, to be clear: toddlers ABSOLUTELY need unstructured, free play. Playgrounds, loungeroom forts, pretend-your-Bluey/Bandit on the walk to daycare… that stuff is gold. Structured movement classes offer something different, but just as golden.
At places like ahem MyFirstGym, classes are carefully structured around developmental stages, helping toddlers climb, jump, roll and land safely, while practicing the fine art of coordination and body awareness. Classes are in an environment that’s safe, social and FUN.
Best of all, our coaches are super enthusiastic and caring (they haven’t had the same get-out-of-the-house-with-a-water-bottle/shoes/shirt-and-your-sanity battle you’ve just had!) They’re also able to gently introduce those ‘school’ skills of routine, listening, confidence-building, and social interaction without the pressure of formalised learning.
The research backs this up: a major review found consistent links between physical activity in early childhood, including structured and organised activity, and improved health and developmental outcomes.
Why MyFirstGym Structured Movement Classes Help Parents Too
Our range of toddler activities aren’t just great for kids: they’re a lifeline for parents too. You meet other adults at the same stage of life. You realise you’re not the only one carrying emergency snacks E V E R Y W H E R E. You get out of the house. You connect with adults. Your child burns a lot of energy with no damage to your lounge suite. Everyone wins.
And honestly? When you’re deep in those toddler trenches, just having somewhere purposeful to go can change the entire tone of the day.
More Than a Class
At MyFirstGym, toddler classes are so much more than practicing a movement. It’s about confidence. Connection. Community. We give little people ways to safely explore what their bodies can do, while ensuring parents have a space where they feel supported.
Together, we’re building capable, confident humans. And hopefully, tiring them out for a decent nap afterwards too.
Dotted all around the country, there’s a MyFirstGym ready to help break free of the toddler trenches near you… for an hour or so at the very least! Come down and have a look today.