Making a serious business out of kids’ fun and games
Cheyne Butler is the CFO at Tumbling Tigerz, a programme that boosts children’s physical, behavioural and social skills
My husband, Daniel, and I started Tumbling Tigerz in 2011; my husband was working with the children at the Centre for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), which focused on social interaction, crossing the midline, proprioception and other neuro-developmental aspects.
We did some research into existing extramural activities and noticed there was not enough offered to even neurotypical children to aid functional gross motor development.
Tumbling Tigerz offers aspects of boxing, Pilates, gymnastics and soccer to children aged three to nine. All our programmes have been endorsed by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. We have recently started franchising Tumbling Tigerz.
Some of the early challenges we faced were due to a lack of money, as both Daniel and I had minimal financial support. When we started Tigerz we were 20 years old, working three jobs each and living together in a matchbox apartment in Melville.
We managed to scrape together enough money to buy our first set of equipment, uniforms and flyers, and off we went. That’s why we have such a strong work ethic. This needed to work and we appreciate everything we have today.
Where do you get your inspiration for new games and exercises?
We try to stay up to date with any new and interesting activities that we find on the internet or in articles. We also brainstorm a lot with our staff about new things we have seen and how we can turn them into games or activities that will be fun and interactive.
What are some of the techniques you use?
Each coach has their own techniques. I like to use laughter, encouragement and a firm line that is very clear to each child. It is very important that each child feels as if they are the most important in the class. Through encouragement, I find that children want to complete tasks as best they can in order to gain my attention and praise.
I always stick to my word. Consistency, along with a mountain of enthusiasm, is a recipe for fun.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
An actress. The thought of becoming a new character excited me as a child. Tumbling Tigerz has allowed me to partially live my childhood dream, as I can be my silly, crazy, outgoing self, and the children laugh when I act for them. What are some of the things that make your work stressful?
The children are the easy part. They want to have fun and their faces light up when they see me. This is why I am in this.
Dealing with parents who don’t pay their fees, making sure coaches are not missing lessons, dealing with inefficient suppliers and crazy amounts of queries because people don’t read the flyer properly — these are a few of the stressful things.
But the children are great!