Summer is right around the corner, and that means more big kids will be joining our workouts! Don’t fear, whether you homeschool and will always have all the kids with you, or it’s a temporary arrangement, rest assured you (and your kiddos) are welcome! We’ve compiled some ideas of what your big kids can be doing while you’re getting some much needed mom time in.

It’s important to first acknowledge we know there are many ways for your kids to be out of strollers and have a good time; however, it’s also important to not entice kids under 5 to to get out of their strollers during class. We want to keep bigger kids engaged without causing a riot and negative ripple effect.

First, if you know in advance you’ll be bringing an older child, email us or ask your instructor when you get to class for an Out of Stroller Waiver. We strongly encourage older children to sit next to moms on a mat or camping chair with some engaging, age appropriate activities.

One- This idea requires a bit of preparation: put a different item, snack or small activity in 5 different brown paper sacks and label them 1-5. Our Fit4Mom workouts consist of 5 stations, have your child open one when we arrive at each station.

Two- Have your older child be in charge of doing bubbles for the younger children. Often instructors bring bubbles for the class, ask the instructor at the beginning of class if they can help with bubbles.

Three- Lacing Cards

Four- Boogie Board

Five- A portable art tray.

Six- WikkiStix

Seven- Reusable or magnetic sticker books.

Eight- Melissa and Doug Tape Activity Book

Nine- Audio books! Spotify has audio books your older kids can listen to. Allow for class time to be a time for them to listen, then follow up at home with discussion questions or an activity. You could also use an audiobook device, like Yoto Mini .

Ten- Tablets…we know, this is controversial and with good reason. But it’s also important to have balance and not avoid something out of fear someone may judge you. If you are having a week (you know the kind we’re talking about) and just need to get your workout in, make sure those parental locks are on and you know what your kiddo is watching or doing; and consider allowing your child to have a bit of screen time so you can have a reset. Don’t forget the headphones!

Ultimately we know it can be hard to bring older children to our classes but want you and your whole family to have a positive experience with us! It can take some preparation but it is totally possible for older children to join us while not dreading it and dare we say, enjoy it. If you have any other unique ideas, let us know, we would love to share them with our community. Know that at Fit4Mom Kitsap, moms are welcome with all the kiddos or without. We want you to leave recharged by your workout and your Fit4Mom community.