Andover Events Easter

Baby and toddler sessions relaunch in local parks

Growing up in a pandemic is not something that any new parent can prepare for. In terms of children’s development, 12 months has seen countless missed opportunities in relation to cognitive and social stimulation that they would normally get outside of the home.

Experts have witnessed toddlers’ delays in speech and language as well as trouble sharing and being in groups. For new parents, Covid has had a worrying impact. Babies In Lockdown, an online survey of expectant mothers and new parents, reported that 87% of parents were more anxious as a result of the lockdown and 61% shared concerns about their mental health.

The report highlighted that a big part of this was that many parents felt isolated and anxious, without the support from loved ones and professionals. Jiggy Wrigglers, a children’s activity provider, has seen first-hand the effects of lockdown and has been busy thinking of ways they can help once allowed. The franchise network provides music and movement classes, which will help develop babies and children’s sensory capabilities while offering a fun and social activity. The classes are for children age 0-5 and feature lots of games and activities set to music. One of the most important aspects is the support and social interactions, vital for new parents.

Over lockdown, Alice Kew who runs Jiggy Wrigglers sessions in Andover, Hampshire and surrounding areas, has been offering virtual classes to allow children and their families to interact and now they are going one step further by taking their classes outside in parks, in line with the Government roadmap.

“It’s incredibly important to reopen now, it’s been a tough year but we have all the measures in place and the confidence that we can run securely and in a safe manner,” explains Alice. “Parents and children need to socialise and to be around other people in a fun capacity. I’ve taken the classes outside as it seems the right step to helping customers feel comfortable re-joining groups. The transition from lockdown to indoor groups is going to be a big one, so if we can take a smaller transition to outdoors first where people can become reacquainted with classes, as well as feeling safer in the open air, then I think it will help those children and adults to ease back in.”

It can be the very small things that mean so much to new parents as Alice explains. “During lockdown, we provided support for customers who felt isolated during lockdown and even arranged new classes to reach as many people as possible. This in turn has created more jobs for people in the local community and as we continue to expand, we believe there will be further opportunities.”

There has been a lot of attention regarding how groups such as Jiggy Wrigglers are so important to help with feelings of isolation and loneliness. “I’m very excited to be reopening after so long and really looking forward to seeing our families and welcoming new ones to the sessions,” adds Alice. “There’s not really going to be a lot of change in terms of how the classes are structured but it will be lovely to be outside and I’m sure everyone will love being in the fresh air now that Spring has arrived.”

Numbers in each session will be limited so booking is essential. To find out more, contact Alice on 07588 034643

Easter events at Jiggy wrigglers

🐰 Visit from The Easter Bunny!🐰 Mini Easter Egg Hunt🐰 Easter themed songs and lots of fun.

If you’d like to join Alice please do book via the link here: https://jiggywrigglers.my-sfs.com/app.group.php?Andover