Gingers and Snapping Turtles

When it comes to gymnastics, pretty much everything scares the hell out of you before you try it.

Whether the act itself scares them, like walking on a balance beam twice their height, or they're just scared of looking silly, it can be difficult to help children feel comfortable.

For the youngsters (we're talking 3 or 4 years old) jumping into the foam pit for the first time is like diving into a black hole filled with snapping turtles and gingers. To us, it's soft foam that we secretly want to nap in. But a child has never experienced it before, so you have to ease them in.

It helps to give them a piece of foam to hold onto for a few minutes. You can re-approach them with the question, and scoot into the pit to show it's safe.

I like to add a "wheee!" when I get in so it looks like I'm having the best time of my freaking life.

Your reluctant toddler will slide right in with you, and will probably throw a fit when it's time to get out.