Let’s be honest. Other than sharing a body for 40 weeks, we just don’t have that much in common with our littlest littles. He likes drooling and refuses to sleep when you want; you’re into saliva control and getting as much tummy time (under a down comforter, preferably) as possible. She prefers an all liquid diet to your sushi (again! finally!). The list goes on and on. But rather than get hung up on all the mismatched pieces of motherhood, find a common cure and go with it. Check out these six Mommy and Me classes for your prescription to bond with that cute but demanding stranger who’s crash landed into your life.
Oh Baby! Fitness
Want to make sure your instructors know what they’re dealing with when it comes to post-natal fitness challenges? Look no further. All instructors at Oh Baby! Fitness are nationally certified to help you adapt a normal workout, build strength, and lose weight. Hit one of their Mommy and Me Fitness classes (cardio, strength training, and ab work), or put those yoga pants to the test in a Mommy and Me Yoga or Pilates class. They won’t mind the formula stains or the crusty peanut butter on the knee. These are our people.
Details: Oh Baby! Fitness, Multiple locations (click here to see today and tomorrow’s schedule), Prices vary by class
Atlanta Ballet
Can your 2 year old shake it (like a Polaroid picture)? Thinking about channelling those gyrations into something a little more, well, classical? Both the Buckhead Studio and the Atlanta Ballet headquarters offer Mommy and Me classes, but don’t be intimidated. This is an introductory class aimed at acclimating the tiny tots to movement and music. You can keep your Nutcracker costume in its box in your closet. For now.
Details: Atlanta Ballet, Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, 1695 Marietta Boulevard NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, 404-873-5811 and Buckhead Centre, 4279 Roswell Road, Suite 703, Atlanta, GA 30342, 404-303-1501, One session (roughly two months of weekly 45 minute classes) is $168
The Music Class
Are your kids miraculously soothed when they hear November Rain playing on the radio while stuck in traffic? Does your lullaby CD collection include both the musical adaptations of U2 and Dolly? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions (or just have a kid who digs a good tambourine), then step right up for the nearest Music Pups Mommy and Me class. Suitable for infants through four year olds, this 45 minute session comes with take-home CDs for cruising tunes, plus plenty of ideas to enrich your child’s life with music when you’re not rocking in The Music Class together.
Details: The Music Class, Multiple locations (Click here to find one near you), 4 week sessions $72 or 10 week sessions $165 (discounts apply for siblings)
Purple Hippo Art Studio
So you’re a creative type who also happens to keep a really, really clean house. Pack up the kids (ages 2 through 4) and head to the Purple Hippo Art Studio to get your creative juices flowing (and glue sticking, and glitter sprinkling, and quick- get me a paper bag to breathe in!). Every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. from February 6 to March 27, you and your littles can enjoy an artistically themed story time, followed by a guided art project. Glue, paint, splatter, and cut to your heart’s content, then head home to a clean house.
Details: Purple Hippo Art Studio, 5517 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, 770-730-0605, $160 for 8 Sessions
Buckhead Gymnastics
2 year olds and their moms (or dads, or caregivers) can hit the mats for a 45 minute Mommy and Me session dedicated to beginning strength, balance, and movement (and rolling, skipping, and playing together). Not to be confused with parallel bars for babies, this class will ease your tyke into the world of physical awareness and ability at their own pace, and with you right beside him to help.
Details: Buckhead Gymnastics, 2351 Adams Drive, Atlanta GA 30318, 404-367-4414, Thursdays at 11:15 and Fridays at 10:00 a.m., $140 per session (February 17 – May 24)
Sarah’s School of Fish
Saturday mornings with kids ages 3 months to 2 years old aren’t getting any shorter, so why not head to one of the indoor winter swim sessions at Sarah’s School of Fish to guarantee a golden afternoon nap hour (and increase your kiddo’s comfort in the water, basic water safety, and early swimming skills)? New sessions begin in March and are available some weekdays, in addition to the Saturday classes.
Details: Sarah’s School of Fish, 1318 Concord Road, Smyrna, GA 30080-4361, 770-434-6914, $40 one-time family registration fee, $198 two month session
Where do you and your baby go for some mommy and me time? Share with us below!
—Shelley Massey
Photos courtesy of Oh Baby! Fitness via Facebook, The Music Class via Facebook, Purple Hippo Art Studio via Facebook, Buckhead Gymnastics via Facebook, Sarah’s School of Fish via Facebook, and the author
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