Little Gym: A New Third Place for Kids (and Parents, Too)

There’s a new spot in Glendale where kids can tumble, swing, sing, and sprint their way toward something bigger than “burning energy.” The Little Gym is officially open on the North Shore, and owner Tom Jerard says the goal is simple: help kids grow stronger physically and more confident socially and emotionally — all through play that’s intentionally designed.

Tom and his wife Shelley both come from child-focused therapy backgrounds, and their path to opening the gym is rooted in a deeply personal family moment: in 2021, Shelley’s parents were diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in the same week.

As they wrestled with how to use retirement funds in a way that mattered, they kept returning to an idea that felt hopeful and lasting — a place that serves children, supports families, and builds community. In this Q&A, Tom explains what “movement with meaning” really looks like in class, the small milestones they love celebrating (that feel enormous to parents), and why they hope The Little Gym becomes a true gathering place for North Shore families — village vibes included.

What brought you to The Little Gym, and what made the North Shore the right place to build it?

Shelley’s parents, Mary and Larry Rismeyer, were both diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in the same week in 2021. During conversations about what to do with retirement funds they wouldn’t be able to spend themselves, we kept coming back to the idea of building something meaningful — something that would serve children, support families, and reflect our values.

As we researched child-focused programs rooted in true developmental science, The Little Gym stood out immediately. Its three-dimensional learning approach — supporting physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth — aligns beautifully with the American Pediatric Association’s developmental milestones.

Shelley is a clinical therapist and Thomas is a recreational therapist, and we both wanted a space where we could continue using our backgrounds to support children while also stepping away from the medical model and into something proactive, joyful, and community-centered.

We moved to Whitefish Bay in 2019 and are raising our three children (and two dogs!) just down the road from the gym. The North Shore felt like home — and the right place to invest in families.

You’ve spent years in behavioral health and child-focused roles. How does that background shape how you run a kids’ gym?

It shapes everything.

Our decision to become Little Gym owners was deeply rooted in our professional backgrounds. The process took about two years — much of which Shelley’s mom, Mary, was able to witness and be part of while navigating her cancer journey. She saw us explore locations, purchase the franchise, and even follow Thomas’s journey to Texas for training.

Because of our clinical experience, we’re intentional about how children are supported. We understand regulation, transitions, sensory needs, confidence-building, and attachment. That lens influences how we train our team, communicate with parents, and create an environment where children feel safe, challenged, and celebrated.

The Little Gym talks about “movement with meaning.” What does that look like in class?

Every five minutes in class, a developmental task — often several — is being supported socially, cognitively, emotionally, and physically.

Opening circle invites children to sing, practice names, and feel a sense of belonging. Warm-ups focus on listening skills and preparing the body for the skill of the week (usually disguised as fun!). Skills are scaffolded so children experience progressive success, building strength, perseverance, and confidence.

Games target sharing, impulse control, collaboration, and connection. Closing circle helps children practice regulation, reflection, and celebration of what they accomplished together.

It may look like play — but it’s purposeful.

What’s a small milestone you celebrate that feels huge to a child (and their parents)?

We celebrate all the small wins — because small wins become big breakthroughs.

It might be a child separating from a parent without tears, trying a forward roll independently, waiting their turn, or raising their hand to answer a question. Often parents don’t even realize how significant these steps are — and we love pointing them out.

Progress isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s quiet confidence growing week by week.

For first-time parents: What should they expect from a parent-child class?

Parents and children under three attend class together. Families check in, socks off for child, and then gather on the floor to begin.

Teachers explain expectations clearly while embracing our “try when you’re ready” philosophy. We provide structure and guidance, but we respect each child’s pace.

Classes include singing, dancing, running, jumping, crawling, and practicing foundational safety skills — all while building connection between parent and child.

It’s structured fun with intention.

How do these classes help with listening, transitions, and social skills?

Our classes are built around predictable routines and clear expectations — which is incredibly supportive for young nervous systems.

Children practice stopping and starting, following multi-step directions, taking turns, and managing impulses in a playful environment. Because it feels fun and low-pressure, kids are often more willing to stretch socially here than in other settings.

The repetition week after week builds real skills that carry into preschool, school, and home life.

How do you help a family choose the right program?

Our curriculum aligns with developmental milestones and is organized by age group: 4–10 months, 10–19 months, 19–36 months, 3–5 years, 4–6 years, and 6–12 years.

We typically recommend starting in your child’s age group and then adjusting if needed based on development. We’re always happy to talk through questions after class and make personalized recommendations.

What role do you hope The Little Gym plays in the North Shore community?

We hope to be more than a class — we want to be a gathering place.

A place where moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers, and families of all types feel welcomed. A place where kids grow not only stronger physically, but more confident socially and emotionally.

Community matters deeply to us, and we want families to feel that the moment they walk through our doors.

What’s been an unexpectedly great community moment since opening?

One of the most meaningful surprises has been watching friendships form — not just between kids, but between parents. Seeing families linger after class, exchange numbers, or cheer on a child who isn’t their own reminds us why we built this.

Tell us about Parents’ Survival Nights.

Parents’ Survival Nights are exactly what they sound like — a gift to parents and a blast for kids.

Children enjoy games, obstacle courses, themed activities, and a snack while parents get a few hours to reconnect, rest, or run errands. Kids leave feeling independent and proud. Parents leave refreshed.

Everyone wins.

If a family is on the fence, what’s your 30-second pitch?

Come try one class.

You’ll see that it’s not just about gymnastics — it’s about confidence, courage, listening skills, resilience, and joy. You’ll watch your child attempt something new in a safe, encouraging environment.

And you might just find your village while you’re here.