New York, NY (Top40 Charts / Gymboree Play & Music) This week, Gymboree Play &
Music celebrates 40 years as the leader in parent and child programs around the world. What began as a small group of moms at the forefront of the play movement, continues today as one of the most trusted resources available to help all parents understand and witness firsthand the vital impact play, music and art have on the development of the whole child. Today, Gymboree Play &
Music has grown into a beloved early childhood play center and program with more than 700 centers in 40 countries around the world.
A study announced today, and conducted on behalf of Gymboree Play & Music, reveals that 98 percent of moms feel the need for more play in their lives. Three out of four moms also wish they spent more time playing with their child � at least an additional 45 minutes every day. So to support mom in her quest for more play, and in honor of four decades of seeing parenting at its best, Gymboree Play &
Music is launching a PlayFull Parenting movement to help modern moms attain more play, with less pressure.
In a world where 82 percent of moms receive unsolicited parenting advice, a place to freely play without judgement is a must-have for today's parent. The fun and flexible local setting, supportive community and extraordinary learning opportunity for children make Gymboree Play &
Music an oasis in an increasingly competitive sea of options. In fact, according to the study, more moms are walking away from typical parenting "stereotypes", and embracing more eclectic and inclusive parenting styles that are defying the rigid parenting styles of the past.
"Through PlayFull Parenting, we're calling on all families around the country to embrace play, champion creativity, foster freedom and celebrate parenting victories - big and small," said Jill Johnston, Vice President of Gymboree Play & Music. "After all, we're all just trying to raise the best little humans possible - so it's important to remember to be kind, laugh and have fun along the way!"
Additional key highlights of the study include:
Over half of moms (57 percent) need help finding age-appropriate activities for their child
69 percent of moms say it's difficult to find time to play with their child without distractions
Nearly all moms (95 percent) moms say playing with their child is when they are the happiest
27 percent of moms say they're the "fun" parent in the household
As part of the PlayFull Parenting movement, Gymboree Play &
Music invites families to kick off the fun with a free class offer at participating centers nationwide. Parents can visit Gymboree Play & Music's website (gymboreeclasses.com) to find a location and view a calendar of classes for children ages newborn to five. At Play &
Music centers, families will find:
Music classes to enhance development through song, dance, movement and instruments
Art classes to inspire imagination and self-expression
A variety of physical, social, pretend, problem solving and constructive types of play
Cutting-edge equipment that incorporates research and learning aesthetics from different educational and cultural backgrounds to deliver a universal and timeless play experience
Parent participation as an integral part of all programs offered at Play & Music
For families in need of even more play ideas, Gymboree Play &
Music also released today 40 Ways to Add More Play Into Everyday. This stack of play cards provides parents 40 unique ideas to incorporate fun into each moment - from the second their child wakes up in the morning to getting ready for bedtime in the evening. To further illustrate PlayFull Parenting, Gymboree Play &
Music produced an anthem video entitled Best Day Ever. The video depicts the special joy and playfulness kids and parents can find when they play together throughout the routines of everyday life. Visit gymboreeclasses.com to learn more.
*KC Research conducted this survey online with 1,000 U.S. moms of kids, ages 0-5 between April 15-22, 2016.
About Gymboree Play &
Music - Gymboree Play &
Music is the founding member of the Gymboree family of brands. Since its creation by founder Joan Barnes in 1976, Gymboree Play &
Music has celebrated and encouraged the joy of childhood by creating developmentally appropriate play, music and art classes that offer kids and parents the opportunity to learn, grow and share time together.
Based on a blend of early childhood development theories complemented by 40 years of hands-on experience, Gymboree Play &
Music offers a variety of programming for kids ages newborn to five, including Play & Learn classes, which encourage development from sensory exploration to playful-problem solving, music classes that enhance child development through song, dance and instruments, and art classes that inspire imagination and self-expression.
Family togetherness and parent participation is an integral part in all Gymboree Play &
Music classes. Our intimate setting allows parents to meet and share information with other parents, all while introducing their kids to new experiences and skills. Classes are now available through more than 700 franchised and company-operated centers in the US and more than 40 countries around the world. Parents can find a location near them by visiting www.gymboreeclasses.com.