Socialization is a central component of child development. From verbal to body language, blossoming in various types of communication prepares children for the big world they have been born into. Learning proper dialogue, working as a team with peers, and maintaining friendships will create a lasting, positive impact on them for the rest of their lives. Children who are prevented from developing these skills can have a more challenging time with their peers and society as they get older. Parents can assist in this area by having regular conversations with their baby and toddler, which will further develop communication skills. Additional ways to enhance these skills are to socialize them in their community. Many towns throughout the state of Oregon have community centers worth exploring, and the Sellwood Community House has a wide variety of ongoing classes for kids.    

Sellwood Community House has a beautiful Littles Program that offers classes and events for children ages 18 months through 5 years old. Depending on the class, parental participation is required or optional, making it an excellent opportunity for family time and socialization for your kids with their peers. A popular class there is Tiny Tumblers. This class is divided into two categories based on age ranges, with the first being for 18 months to 3 years and the second being for 3 to 5-year-olds. Parents can reserve a time for their child to participate in a single drop-in class for $18 or purchase five classes for $80. In addition to learning proper stretching techniques, there is an age-appropriate obstacle course for the children to climb through. Tumble classes for kids help build confidence and develop more bravery in a controlled, safe environment. Parents will indeed be amazed when they see how much their kids are capable of when they are put in a setting such as this. 

There are more than just tumbling classes at Sellwood Community House, too. Their Sticky Fingers class is happening throughout December, where children learn to make various healthy meals. Cooking techniques like chopping and measuring are key components of the class and help to empower children in their cooking abilities. This class is for ages 3 to 5 and requires parental participation. Sellwood Community House also offers Messy Art classes where kids aged 18 months to 5 learn from an experienced art teacher and work on various art projects with their peers. In addition, the Southeast Nurturing Circle invites parents to connect with other parents and certified doulas regarding postpartum care and support, all while their kids are invited to play. Any drop-in class price is $18, or you can buy five classes for $80. 

Additional classes are available that could be of interest to parents and their kids. The Red Yarn Performance and Play incorporates folk songs and puppets to entertain kids of all ages. This is a very popular event at Sellwood for both kids and parents. They also offer Fireside Stories that invite kids to listen to stories, sing songs, and play with one another. And lastly, their Indoor Play Park is in their vintage gymnasium for free play. This gymnasium offers a wide variety of games and toys, as well as access to their tumbling studio. With the Oregon weather becoming cooler, indoor play is a great option to provide for your little ones. The prices for these classes begin at $8 per drop-in class or $30 for five classes. 

Having your kids be involved in various classes and events helps to develop proper socialization skills. It is amazing and essential for parents to communicate with their kids from as soon as they are born. However, kids are naturally inclined to communicate and play with children outside of their homes. They are constantly mimicking and analyzing everything they see and are eager to display this at every chance they can. Because of this, they should further develop what they know through peer interaction, and participating in various classes helps them do this. Painting with friends or singing songs with one another allows them to make new friends and encourages them to participate in their community. Having your child take tumbling classes at their local community center does not guarantee that they will become a world-renowned gymnast. But it will help to develop the skills necessary to become happy, well-adjusted adults. Hopefully, they can also make a friend or two from it.