Tumble Tots Celebrating Its 31st Anniversary

After recognizing a need for a program designed specifically for younger age groups more than three decades ago, Anne Hines and Christine DeSilva combined their extensive education experience in order to create Tumble Tots Bermuda, which is currently celebrating its 31st anniversary.

Tumble Tots’ mission 31 years ago was to “promote strong minds through strong bodies,” with “thousands of children” successfully passing through its program since its inception.

Ms. DeSilva said, “It started out as a summer program and then we extended it to a year-round program. We did offer summer programs for many years. It is most satisfying to see our daughters now take over the business and keep it in the family as it has been something that has been so dear to our hearts.”

Anne Hines said, “The program was so popular that when our tots reached high school age, they begged us to keep them on. We have now reached that unique stage whereby the parents who once brought their children are now proudly coming to class with a grandchild by the hand. It is extremely gratifying to hear a parent say to a child that mummy or daddy used to do Tumble Tots.”

A spokesperson said, “Fiona Murdoch and Linda Hines will be running the program again this year, which re-launches on Saturday, September 10. The half-hour Parent and Tot classes [aged walking to 3 years] begin at 9.00am with the last class at 10.30am.

“Tumble Tots for children 3 and 4 years old starts at 11.00am. The location remains the same at the centrally located Bermuda High School gymnasium. If you would like to register your child for these classes, please contact Tumble Tots at tumbletotsbermuda@yahoo.com.”

“Each weekly session of Tumble Tots offers the children and parents fun, excitement and challenge in a safe, secure and caring environment. The age-appropriate equipment allows the younger children to explore freely, while simply having basic pattern and structure.

“The children are encouraged to experiment on the balance beam, crawl through the tunnels, build structures with foam blocks, climb on the equipment, practice rolling, hopping and jumping on the mats. Parent interaction is key as this offers special focused quality time with the child, without everyday distractions.”

One Tumble Tots mother said, “Being able to spend uninterrupted time with my child each week was priceless. She looked forward to Tumble Tots each week, as it was her space – all designed and customized for children her age.

“We sat together as a group and sang along to age appropriate songs, which she continued to sing throughout the week. She also loved the group parachute time and exploring by herself on the equipment. Time spent in these classes built her confidence and also helped with her social skills.

“This is a quality, proven successful program that I would recommend to any parent with young children.”

Linda Hines said, “This is an exciting age and an essential time of physical development and in particular brain development. The physical and mental benefits to children participating in such a program are endless, along with the social benefits of meeting and interacting other children.

“As the children grow throughout the program, you can see that the new challenges presented each week assist with their confidence and development. It’s amazing to see.”

Anne Hines said, “We always wanted it to be affordable and available to ALL sectors of our community, and we continue with this mission. Parents from all walks of life should have the opportunity to allow their child to grow and develop through such a movement program.

“We are proud to have provided this service to our community and look forward to our daughters continuing with it’s success.”

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Category: All, Business