pauline, it's ok re the positive tots.
My GYm: iso and I brought E and Ruth for the busy buddies (bb) before at the Great World City outlet called Grace Kids. It's 1.5 hour long and basically has all sorts of activities. Parent's role is just to 'accompany' or "jagar' the kid lah. THe teachers' roles are to engage the kids in fun and play. Different focus from PT.
but i think it's really diff from the positive tots(pt).
BB is 1.5 hours of play. Kids run around, explore things in accordance with their schedule (songs, story telling, arts n craft, snack time, etc). It's like a massive playgroup with lots of toys. Even if kids dun wanna participate in the activity of the moment, they can do anything else in the room (read a book, play with toys/slide etc).
PT is more of behavioural analysis/correction for both parent and child. Our tots are expected to sit with us/run with us/lie with us etc. When one tot gets uncontrollable (like Ruth does!!), I'll have to either bring her to one side, give her water, rock her etc, or bring her out of class for awhile to calm down then rejoin the class. In PT, we're trying to see how we can get the tots to 'cooperate' in a positive way. Not the "you-better-come-here-or-i'll-spank-u" kind of way but persuasively via singing, distracting activities etc.
Just to share, teacher said Ruth improve in the 3-4 sessions. IN the 1st/2nd, she'll HOLLER at the door and want out. Last week, she just went to the door and 'touch touch' the door knob and try to open it..but did not holler (she's like trying her luck to see if I'll relent!!). She also would rejoin us when persuaded with singing/distraction instead of a full-blown meltdown.
*phew*
it's stressful for me every week but i think it's doing BOTH of us good - i think particularly cuz Ruth can be quite a challenge and REALLY tries me A LOT!!!
i have huge problems setting boundaries for her consistently...partly cuz if grandma is around, she will run to grandma. My mum realy spoil market for me la. hahaha..but she loves her plenty and does a lot of things for her in other aspects so i cannot complain. Just that when she's with me, I'll have to enforce discipline lor.
my hubby is a tough one. he is unable to 'enjoy' the class after 1 week try. So now every week i'll go in. Cuz PT has quite a bit of yoga play - that's like asking for his life.
But now all i ask of is his support. Dun wanna participate/learn never mind, but dun discourage me can liao!!