xx

[cati]

xx

 

[ScarlettO]

I wouldn't do gymnastics with an unproven place. We used the "Leisure SEction" of our local university when DS first started gymnastics, then moved to a place that was established. You can get hurt if things are not done correctly, so an established place is important.


(I don't understand the Christianity angle of your post-sorry)

 

[wdwnutze]

I don't have any information for you BUT if I was told I could not watch my 3yo dd I would not let her go to the class. I think 3 is too young to be told that parents can't watch at all. JMO!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If I can't watch she can't go, I don't care what it is!

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I've done Kundalini, Bikram and hatha yoga. The same guy teacher all classes. He is a devout Christian, by the way. He never brought religion into any of the classes. just some meditation.

You could always ask the teacher. Usually they have some sort of description, or syllabus!

 

[ead79]

I understand where you are coming from with the Christianity aspect, and I think it might make me uncomfortable too. I think I would look for a gymnastics class that allows parents to watch.

 

[kadaten]

The yoga wouldn't bother me. Not being allowed to observe the class would. If they want you in a separate room where you can watch through a window or one-way mirror so your child isn't distracted, I can kinda understand that, but I will never leave my child somewhere where I'm not allowed to observe whenever I feel like it. Her preschool allows parents at any time, unannounced or scheduled, and I drop in whenever I can just to see how she's doing. It's not often since I still have DS at home and he can't go with me, but I like knowing that it's open for me or any parent to come observe.

I've taken 2 yoga classes. One in college which was great. Can't remember which type, although it wasn't raiki. There was no religion or even spirituality to it at all. The concentration aspects were all centered on breathing techniques that helped you calm your mind and body. Folks who needed a "mantra" to concentrate on were encouraged to choose something one syllable (like "ohm" or "mmm") so a message didn't distract their mind from relaxation. The breathing and stretches were designed to calm your mind, help you focus, stretch your muscles, improve your breathing, etc.

The last class I took was called "Christian yoga" and it was taught by a mom in my mother's group. It was really just yoga where she interspersed things like "clear your mind and focus on God who made your body", "thank Him for ....", a few Bible verses, etc. Personally, I think this class was designed for those who, like you seem to be, are uneasy with yoga because it's unfamiliar and was originally used as a spiritual exercise by other religions, even though most people here in the US don't use it that way. By giving it a Christian bent, it becomes something "ok" to participate in for those who were worried about it.

 

[MHopkins2]

I'll agree with the other posters that it seems odd for parents not to be allowed to watch 3 year olds. I could understand older kids - parents can add extra pressure, and "stage moms" can be a nightmare - but a "closed" tiny tots class would be a red flag for me.

However, I think you're worrying unnecessarily when it comes to yoga/Christianity. Yoga gets a bad rap because it's associated with some Eastern religions, but it is not in and of itself religious in any way. It's great exercise, wonderful for flexibility (most likely the reason they're including it in your DD's gymnastics curriculum), and aids calm and focus.

Overall, I think you should look for a new class for her, but don't worry about it if the new place includes yoga as well.

 

[shortbun]

If I can't watch, my child doesn't attend. Religion aside, those
are the rules. Safety first. That said, I wouldn't spend the whole class there, just stay a little at the beginning, sometimes come
back early or in the middle. My son was in a gymnastics course
once where the instructor said parents could not be in the room.
I sat in the doorway and gave the instructor a clear explanation
of why I wanted to be there then asked for a clear explanation of
why she wanted me out. Bottom line, I was allowed to stay.
mimi

 

[lil mermaid]

I don't have any children, but I must agree with the previous posters that I wouldn't let my children go if I was not allowed to stay.

I have been practicing yoga (mostly ashtanga - but only prenatal these days) for years. There are many styles of yoga, but I must admit that I have NEVER heard of raiki yoga. It sort of sounds like something made up. Anyway, in all of the children's yoga classes that I have seen, it is more about getting them to move their bodies and have fun. It is very cute to watch, because children are so much more flexible than adults and can get into many of the postures quite easily.

Yoga is NOT a religion in and of itself.

There is Reiki - which is a type of spiritual healing where I think that massage is used, but I really don't know much about it.

 

[cati]

xx

 

[ennazus]

I think 3 is too young to be told that parents can't watch at all.

ditto

 

[lil mermaid]

Originally posted by cati

I dont understand the yoga aspect at all. I know nothing about yoga. But some of the websites when you type in christianity and yoga they are pretty negative.

In what way? I am honestly just curious.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

That aside I would not leave a 3yo with strangers. I would stay for each and every class. If they had a problem with that, I wouldn't join.
I am sure it is nothing but a 3yo is so impressionable, innocent and defenseless. I am definetly overprotective in that department.

As far as the Christianity + yoga issue, I do not see that as an issue. I look at yoga as an exercise practice not something that teaches religion.

 

[jipsy]

I go to yoga classes 3 days a week at a Kripalu yoga studio. All my classes are just series of stretches designed to keep your body limber. The last 10 minutes of the class you lie on your mat with a pillow and a blanket and relax.

I can't see how this would negatively effect anyone's Christianity.

However, I personally don't understand why a 3 year old would need yoga or reiki.

Reiki is is a healing approach that uses light touch from the practitioner to channel healing energy to the recipient. Used to relieve physical and emotional pain and to promote spiritual clarity, Reiki also speeds the healing process and balances the body's energy.

Reiki and yoga are two different things, although I guess they could be used together.

Can't your daughter attend the gymnastics class and skip out on the reiki/yoga part if it bothers you?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Follow your instincts.

 

[binny]

I would have to agree with not going with someone who you dont know. The not being able to be there sends up HUGE red flags imho.


The Yoga is tottaly seperate issue though. I do Yoga for strength training and I absolutely LOVE it!! I feel 100% better than before I started and I love the relaxation and workout I get form it. The "spitritual side" of Yoga doesnt bother me, I guess instead of meditating on some inner being I use the time to pray or just zone out.


Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Princess_Aurora]

Well, I don't know about the Yoga and Christianity part, but when my DD started ballet they wouldn't let us watch either. The door did have a little window you could peek in though...but the teacher didn't like it. See, the thing is with kids that young when they see their parents looking at them, they tend to be destracted and stop to wave at you and stuff. That makes them a disruption to the class and then the class can't function the way it's meant to. It wasn't until this year, after my DD turned 6 that they moved her class to a classroom with a big window so you can see the whole class.

 

[Mimi Q]

My older DD has been in gymnastics since she was 3 years old. She is now 11 yo and yoga has never been included in her classes. She has been at 5 different gyms over the years due to coaches leaving. None of them had yoga. Personally, I wouldn't leave my 3 year old during gymnastics either.