This article is sponsored by The Tot Space.
Last Friday, my family returned from our annual vacation. It was amazing – lots of quality family time, minimal screentime, and maximum outdoor time.
While the week was relaxing, the mental prep for our return home began before we even left. My brain was spinning, running through my mental checklist of everything that needed to be done once we arrived back in DC – unpacking, laundry, a grocery run, last minute school supply shopping, and plenty of other tasks that weren’t particularly fun. I also thought about how it would be so much easier (and peaceful!) to work through that list without my kids.
I love them more than anything, of course, but now and then I just need a break!
If only there was someplace I could drop my kids off for just a bit, where I knew they were in experienced, capable hands. Where they’d be able to participate in enriching activities rather than doing who-knows-what with an unknown babysitter. Where I’d be comfortable leaving them while I took care of my to-do list, or even just to relax at home in peace and quiet for a bit.
Enter the DC Area’s newest concept, The Tot Space.
Meet The Tot Space
Located in Rockville, The Tot Space is a warm, inclusive space for children ages 3-6.
It provides short-term, on-call recreational activities. Parents can book space for their children by the hour, and each hour has a designated activity like Yoga, Aerobics, Sports, Music Exploration, and more. The first 30 minutes of each hour is guided activity and instruction by experienced, qualified, and highly vetted educators. The second 30 minutes is for imaginative play.
You can leave your kids at The Tot Space knowing they are in a warm, nurturing environment, so you’re able to grab brunch, get your hair done, run to the store, or even just take a nap, totally guilt-free.
Your External Village
The Tot Space was founded by Brooke Washington, a local mom of two who knows firsthand the push and pull between loving your kids to pieces and also needing a reliable network to care for them when you need a moment.
That’s the true meaning of The Tot Space. It is designed to be your external village, your reliable source of care whenever you need it. You may not have family closeby, or a neighbor you’re comfortable asking to watch your kids for an hour while you run out to the store.
And with The Tot Space, that’s okay. Brooke’s goal was to create a village where everyone is looking out for each other, where kids become familiar with the space and the people, where they’re happy to go and you’re happy to bring them. The Tot Space can be your village.
Quality Activities & Instruction
First things first, The Tot Space is not a daycare. It’s not babysitting, it’s not designed for full-day or daily care (no meals are served).
It is an activities and recreational space, like a social club for young children. Each hour offers enriching, guided fun led by instructors who are certified, screened, and experienced with a desire to be in the early childhood field. This makes a huge difference in the quality of care and instruction.
Covering Date Night, Too!
As if The Tot Space wasn’t already doing enough, they also have monthly Parents’ Night Out evenings. These are perfect for date night, girls’ night out, or even just a relaxing evening at home.
Parents’ Night Out evenings provide coverage from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, with a flat rate of $69 per child. Just like its daytime programming, The Tot Space evenings are filled with fun and enrichment. Each night has a theme (pajama party, superhero adventure, etc.), and the three hours are filled with creative, engaging activities for your kids.
While your kids are having a blast, you’ll have peace of mind that they’re under the care of those same qualified, enthusiastic educators who provide The Tot Space’s daytime instruction.
Book Your Break at The Tot Space
Ready for some guilt-free, kid-free time? Reserve your child’s space for a morning or evening of enrichment and fun, so you can enjoy the time for yourself that every parent needs.
