Two different Gymboree? An important experience to share...

[mamaOreo]

Hello all- Im new here.Hope to gather more insights and info on Singapore!

Just to share some Gymboree experience. Signed up for trials at Gymboree Vivo for 6mth Keith.(recommened by a fellow expat friend who brings her child there).gawd...it was tiring and he was so overwhelmed and scared by the trainer who every now and then bang this huge rainbow airlog. Think her name was Nora.She was so fast and it was hard for everyone to catch on! Was quite dissapointed. the only time that Keith looks happy was during this bubble blowing time.Otherwise,it was disasterous. There were a few expats moms and honestly i dont think our kids love that.

Then the next day went for the trial at Tanglin Mall Gymboree. Honestly I was also thinking that its going to be a mess but SURPRISE! He was calmer. I guess it must be the environment. The one at Tanglin has just been revamped and its colorful. Staff were also nicer (we had teacher called Jane) and there's no teacher banging the big log up and down (thank god) Eventually signed up classes with Tanglin Gymboree. This is just to show how different two centres can be! On my part - Gymboree Vivo is not for me and baby Keith..Hope this comes in useful.

[expatUK]

Hello and welcome to SG.

I read your post and am quite surprised by it. I live just next door to Vivo and bring my kids to Gymboree there freq (for classes and gym) We just got back today from breaks.

I had teacher Nora for class. She's ok. with regards to the airlog - YES,my kids got that loud bang in the ear too! it was excruciating AND annoying The one i would prefer more would be teacher Lea. She's happy,vibrant and very at ease with kids and parents. She had stood in once or twice for teacher Nora and my kids love her. The best part was that she does babysitting and I personally had her babysit the kids when I need time out with hubby.Some of my expat friends knew her from Tanglin Mall Branch.

When i came and asked for teacher Lea today,they said she's left. which is such a shame cos she's very good in classes. The girls at the desk were not that polite either. True enough, I have plans to go to Tanglin Mall for classes. Seems like better teachers and more colorful environment.

All i can say,it makes a big difference having a teacher who genuinely love kids and could pull off a great class. Should anyone need babysitting help at night,pls do PM me as I'm trying to get through Lea herself soon.

[chixchix]

I went for a free trial ,also with Nora. Nothing so exciting about that place. Its all about making the parachute go up n down n make bee sounds... I think there are much better play centres around.

[lsac0902]

Hi all,

I go to the one next to Parkway Parade with my 9 mth old son and everything's fine. The teachers are all very nice and cheerful.

[mamaOreo]

Hi chixchix,

just checked the posts - ya..you're right. Bee sounds heheh like the way u put it. (when did you have that trial - did you sign up?) I've been there again for playgym and I think there's only two teachers there. Unlike Tanglin where you see so many friendly faces.

I think the classes are the same for two weeks then they change. My baby enjoying it at Tanglin. The teachers are nice and i went for Playgym at Parkway. The teachers are nice too.

anyways nice knowing you!

[oreobleu]

Oh gosh..this is way to late but I just saw this post only now...lols* I know,its two years after..hahha..chanced upon it.I just hope its not too late and that ExpatUK gets this in her pm (cos I can't seem to pm either)

ExpatUK,if you get this..I think I babysit yr twins right? Gosh,I left cos of some issues *roll eyes* and trust me I would have left msgs if I could

I'm still babysitting on my off days and would love to keep in touch with you!
Wouldn't know if I can leave my email here,gonna try : [email protected]

Hugs to everyone else ) esp ExpatUK. Hope yr still in singapore
Keep in touch.