Let's start from the beginning, shall we? I had just given birth to my third child when my sister…read moreconvinced me to enroll my two-year-old in the "Parent & Tot Tiny Tumblers" class--which sounds intimidating, right? At the time, he was mostly non-verbal and had an intense fear of new people and places. After just a few days of what felt like pure torture--filled with non-stop tears and screams--he turned three.
At age three, the kids graduate and you get to send them off to "Mr. David's Tumbling Tots." Once again, I was convinced to sign my boy, Jaxson, up. This time, it was two days a week of intense, fear-fueled tantrums. After eight months of private therapy with absolutely no progress, I was desperate. And Mr. David kept telling me, "Keep coming back." Two sessions, eight weeks, twice a week... it got to the point where other parents literally asked for my schedule so they could enroll into the opposite days.
And then, Jax touched the mat. He didn't actively participate right away, but simply touching that blue mat freed mommy from the back pain of standing for 60 minutes--or playing a real-life version of Where's Waldo. (A part of me still wonders if he genuinely forgot I was hiding behind that mat, or if it was all part of his plan.)
Fast-forward to the present: Jaxson is now four and a half years old, and he is the most talkative, confident, and highly coordinated little man in town. He has truly blossomed, and I owe that recognition entirely to Mr. David.
After seeing Jaxson's incredible progression, I enrolled my other two "gremlins" as well. I truly cannot rave enough about how amazing of an instructor he is. Watching their confidence skyrocket, their strength increase, and their behavior improve made me think, "Hey, I could use some of that." So, yes, I joined adult gymnastics! If you are reading this and contemplating coming to this rec center, look for me. I'm the woman on the floor, or the one chasing a little blonde, curly-headed girl around who constantly gives me a run for my money. I will definitely convince you to join.
By the end of a session, you honestly wonder what kind of magic Mr. David possesses to get twelve three-year-olds to actually listen. It comes down to the immense effort, compassion, and time he invests in each child. It is rare to find someone who puts their entire heart into what they do. As long as you take your child consistently, they will blossom too--I promise. My children and I are living proof.
Since I am now here five days a week, I have met the entire staff, and they couldn't be more welcoming. They are genuine, good-hearted people who make the atmosphere a thousand times better, especially when your kids are acting like... well, "little angels." To me, Whitney Ranch Recreational Center has become my second home. Being here brings me so much joy, and I am incredibly grateful to have found such an amazing program and community.