Beating the winter blues:
Tot gym provides opportunity for children and parents to get out of the house on winter days
By Shiloh Appel
Before December 2nd, 2017, winter was equivalent to "not leaving the house much" for mothers of toddlers in Redfield.
However, due to the successful brainstorming of local mothers Caitlin Hoots and Jordann Hansen, Redfield now has a weekly open-gym for toddlers and young children, a place where both tots and parents can socialize. Tot Gym, which started on Saturday, December 2nd, is held every Saturday morning from 10 to 11: 30a.m. in the Redfield Armory. Toys, slides, a playhouse, a mini-basketball hoop and other play things have all been donated to the Tot Gym.
"Advanced Bio Energy donated toys because Tony Glass, who is part of Advanced Bio Energy, also runs a day care," said Hansen. "And families donated toys, too."
Parents or caretakers are required to stay and watch their children as the gym is not a daycare service, but functions more as an "open gym for little kids," according to Hansen. Tot Gym ages range from 0 to 5, but older siblings do show up on occasion.
"It has come together really nicely and we couldn't do it without all of the volunteers. The community has also been good about not having practices in the Armory at this time," said Hoots and Hansen.
Currently, the Tot Gym usually has 20 to 30 kids buzzing around each week. It is also free and open to all local families with young children.
Hansen also leads the Daycare Initiative Group, which is inviting all parents to Tot Gym on March 24th at 10 a.m. for a short meeting to discuss their new Daycare Initiative in Redfield. Childcare will be provided during the meeting.
For more information, visit the Redfield Tot Gym Facebook page.
