Helicopter parents, look away, look away!
Why? Because I’m about to suggest that we parents let our kids have a bit of fun, without enclosing them in bubble wrap or forcing them into a full face helmet.
Kids need to get sweaty, to test their limits, to burn all that energy that bounces through those little bodies. And one of the best apparatuses to help kids achieve these things is a trampoline.
Modern trampolines are very different from the death trap models you might remember from your own childhood. And the safest ones of all, especially for the smallest jumpers, are in trampoline centres like BOUNCE.
If you haven’t yet discovered the joy that is BOUNCE, then let us bring you up to speed. It’s where kids of all ages can bounce, jump, soar, flip, leap and play to their heart’s content. There are heaps of different trampoline areas to test out and even dedicated KinderGym programs  for the littlest leapers.
Let kids be kids… and let them BOUNCE!
Trampolining has never been more fun or safer than ever than when in the constraints of an indoor play centre. But, safety aside, there are heaps of other reasons to get on the trampoline bandwagon, especially if you’re looking for something to do with your energetic sidekick.
1. It wears them out
Have you ever tried bouncing for an hour straight? It’s a pretty intense workout, well for adults anyway. Kids seem to be able to do it without stopping for even a pee break. But that’s because kids have an excessive amount of crazy juice flowing through their little veins.
And bouncing is a great way to use up some of this hyper energy.
2. It lets them flip upside down without fear of breaking something
Their necks, their arms, your expensive coffee table… When the entire flooring is spring-free trampolines, then there is much less risk of breaking ANYTHING (especially when compared to the tiles in the living room).
3. It gets you out of the house (and breaks up the day)Â
Programs like KinderGym are term-based, meaning you and your little one attend once a week. Not only does this give you a chance to get out there and meet like-minded mums with kids around the same age, but it provides your wee one with a chance to socialise with other kids.
4. It requires no clean-up
Take that, craft time! No glue. No glitter. No gunk of any sort. All you need to bring are socks and water, and you’re ready to rock and roll (and flip).
5. It teaches them stuff
Okay, so bouncing on a trampoline isn’t going to make them better readers or expert mathematicians, but bouncing does help with sensory and physical development plus coordination, flexibility and balance.
What’s especially cool about the term-based programs, such as KinderGym at BOUNCE, is that they are developed in conjunction with Gymnastics Australia. The programs are customised to build your child’s development through a whole slew of different activities, including songs, games and, of course, bouncing.
6. It also teaches them how to jump… PROPERLY
Turns out, there is a right way and a wrong way to jump. There is also a graceful way and an unco way. BOUNCE programs teach the former, which means less risk of injury.
7. It builds their confidence
Is there anything more exciting to a child than trying something new? Whether your wee one is a first-time bouncer or a frequent flipper, testing their limits (and succeeding) is a massive confidence booster (not to mention an addictive adrenaline rush).
Plus, bouncing is fun. And funny. Actually, bouncing can be pretty flipping hilarious. And is there anything better than watching your kiddo have fun?
8. It gives you a bit of a break
Guilt-free me time does exist! You just need the right babysitter, I mean, distraction. And what better distraction than a massive jungle gym kitted out with trampolines?
You might even be able to watch from the sidelines with a HOT cup of coffee. And you might even be able to finish it while it’s still hot.
The BOUNCE KinderGym Term Four program kicks off in October 2017. Classes run for an hour each week over 10 weeks and cost $140 for the term. And here’s the best bit – every parent gets a free coffee card so they can enjoy a hot drink while their littlies are busy learning new skills.
To find out more, or to book a place, head over to BOUNCE Kindergym.
This is a sponsored article for BOUNCE Australia
3 Comments
Bouncing is fun and freeing! It’s silly and serious all at once.
Everyone has a good workout and a laugh.
Afterwards we are all happy and tired! Yes all 5 boys and mum and dad!!!
BOUNCE is a great way to spend time together and also to get in some extra exercise. As the mother of three athletic, energetic and super active boys, BOUNCE is def a go to place for us! Great in all kinds of weather and even better if they have friends over and I have a whole car load of little men, who would otherwise be bouncing off the walls! We also love BOUNCE as it helps my middle son develop his gymnastics skills in a safe and non threatening environment. He is an extreme martial artists and BOUNCE gives him a place to practise his tricking and flips. It also gives my other sons a chance to have a go at these tricks too in a lalce that both safe and fun and well supervised!
Best flipping fun for the whole family