Nurturing Pathways

I’ve only taken our little one to a class so far but call me impressed. Nurturing Pathways sounds like your typical granola crunchy let’s spend on our toddlers. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. I’m sure it’s at least an educational program that comes with well trained staff that really works to provide kids of multiple ages with some skills.
Unlike another poster, I do feel the class is worth it. I find myself in a lull in terms of what activities to do with my little one. Who knows, maybe I’m not super creative. Nurturing pathways gave me a lot of info and things to try from one class so far. I also don’t find the science complete bogus (accurate vestibular function at an early age correlates with more coordination later in life) and the instructor I had (Jessica) definitely didn’t try to over sell the science.

After having three kids and enrolling in umpteen different kiddie enrichment classes, I can unequivocally say that Nurturing Pathways is both my and my kids’ very favorite! The blend of delightful gross motor activities and the on-​the-​go teachings about brain development that Christine or the other instructors give during class is unparalleled.
From baby to almost-​school-​aged, there is a class offering for your child. The kids have more fun during Nurturing Pathways classes than you can possibly imagine, and, as an awesome bonus, will usually have a great nap after they engaged their bodies and brains so vigorously during the class! The studio is bright and inviting and gives the kids lots of space to move. Christine gives you tons of ideas for how to continue the play and learning at home, and I can attest that my kids have absolutely loved to do her activities outside of the class as well. As a bonus, the classes have a great community feel and are a nice way to meet other caregivers who are interested in their kids’ development and who like to have fun playing with them.
Give this class a shot — I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to continue after doing a trial. Eight years later, I’m still hooked!

I started taking my daughter to Nurturing Pathways classes when she was 18 months old. I just wish we’d started sooner! Founder Christine is beyond incredible! Her knowledge of child development stems from a deep place of understanding, connection and experience. She radiates positive energy, and genuinely connects with each child and caregiver in the class. I’ve turned to Christine countless times for specific advice on child development issues. Each time her advice is vastly helpful and reassuring. I can’t recommend Nurturing Pathways classes enough. We’ve done several other types of classes and Nurturing Pathways is the one class we wouldn’t give up. Also not to miss are the workshops presented by founder Christine, on a wide range of topics from school readiness to fostering creativity and the importance of social/​emotional development. Priceless program and community resource!

I’ve been taking both my girls to Nurturing Pathways since they were both infants. My first daughter started when she was around 8 months old, she was a late walker so we spent a good deal of time in the Infant class before we moved onto the Waddlers. When my second daughter was born, we started when she was about 2 months old, I would do back to back classes, Waddler and Infant since I knew how much fun my first daughter had enjoyed NP. Now my girls are 2 and 4 and we still go to the mixed age class on Fridays. Not only is the class active (dancing, galloping, running, etc…) but the movements also directly correlate to your childrens brain development. Both my children and I love Christine, she is patient and nurturing as well as a great parent resource. She is always someone I can turn to when I have parenting issues.

I’ve been taking my 6 month old to the babies class with Christine for the past month and a half. We both enjoy each class. The movement, music, interaction with other parents and babies, rhymes, and fun leave us both feeling happy and tired. While children certainly learn things on their own (e.g. crawling, rolling over, etc.) it’s nice to have games we can play together to help him develop strong motor and sensory systems. In our society– so busy and on the go, I’ve enjoyed Christine’s reminders that babies need time on the floor and less time in containers (car seats, strollers, bouncy chairs, exersaucers, etc).

Even though the so-​called science on the website is mostly fluff and not science at all, I thought I’d give this class a chance so that I could meet other parents. The class itself is ok, it’s just singing and dancing around with babies, which is pretty much the same as every other class for babies. But the nonsense about how this class and only this class will develop your baby’s vestibular system and how it was the class and only the class (and not just normal development) that encourages babies to crawl is way over the top. The teacher actually says things like that. I’m writing this review so that other parents have fair warning before they spend their money.
The way they market the class, you’d think that kids were incapable of learning without it — that, of course, is bull. The founder, Christine, preys on parents’ insecurities and makes a pretty penny doing so. The class isn’t cheap, and in my opinion, isn’t worth it.