Hi, my name is Becky and I’m thrilled to introduce you to my new classes, Tots Play Doncaster North.
Tots Play classes offer you and your child the opportunity to experience a range of activities – all in one place! We cover baby sign, yoga, massage and sensory play – all set to fun songs and with the added bonus of everyone’s favourite…bubbles! I am bringing the Tots Play fun to the Doncaster North area so that more of our parents in Doncaster can benefit from these classes, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that is waiting for you and your Tots.
Before I talk more about the classes themselves, I wanted to introduce myself and tell you a little more about my back story.
Growing up, all I had ever wanted was to be a Mum, and I assumed I would be a natural at it as I was always the maternal one out of my friendship group – looking after others on our nights out. Jump to me getting pregnant not long after me and my husband got married and almost instantly I was overcome by anxiety, fearing the worst and struggling with intrusive/catastrophising thoughts. I was diagnosed with perinatal anxiety and received support from Doncaster IAPT service. I knew I wanted to attend baby classes but was overwhelmed by the choice and the pressure to make “the right decision” – when I discovered Tots Play, it was the ideal solution as I could experience everything I wanted to without having to over commit myself.
I eagerly booked on to start less than a month after my due date, assuming my anxiety would disappear once baby arrived. That was not the case, instead it got worse and I was dreading my husband going back to work and me having to leave the house with Harrison by myself. Luckily, Dave was able to attend the first class with me which gave me the confidence to attend the rest of the course. I am so glad I did. The classes became my lifeline in those early days where I really struggled. The atmosphere of the classes meant that I felt comfortable sharing, without the pressure to be the “perfect parent” (if such a thing even exists?!) The other ladies in my class quickly grew to be my strongest support system and I still talk to the majority of them now – 2 of the babies even go to the same Nursery as Harrison. I owe so much of the parent that I am today to Tots Play – the information covered in the course gave me the confidence to develop a loving bond with Harrison, and the activities were easy to continue at home so I was reassured that what I was doing was helping to support his development.
Having beaten my mental illness and come out the other side, I knew it was time to change career onto a path that would enable me to help other Mums feeling the way I did, and I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather go than back to Tots Play. Having seen first hand the impact that support can have, I want to bring the same welcoming, supportive community to more parents. Having been in your position recently, I know what is important to you and will bring these aspects to my classes.
Discovery Tots – 10.30am, for children aged between 8 weeks until actively crawling, this class incorporates yoga, sign, sensory play, story massage, music and bubbles into an engaging multi activity session
New Baby Workshop – 11.30am, suitable from birth until baby is 4 months old, this workshop introduces simple ways to play, connect and communicate while having fun with your baby. You will receive an a4 booklet to take away with you.
The new term of classes will then start on 15th September, starting with Discovery Tots and the Baby Development Course – a 6 week course including a full body massage routine, sensory play ideas, yoga, sign language, calming techniques and a colic relief massage. Also included in this is an a4 workbook to allow you to continue the fun at home, and a bottle of massage oil.
Our Social Tots classes (aimed at confident crawlers up to 2+) will be coming shortly after the October half term, so keep your eyes peeled. If you have any questions, you can contact me on 07837 587460 or beckym@totsplay.co.uk. Or you can head to totsplay.co.uk/doncasternorth to book your place.
***Sponsored editorial blog post by Tots Play Doncaster North***
