To get ds to do after school clubs when I’m at home?

I think it gets easier for reception children as they go through the year. My own school don't tend to offer any activity clubs for reception children in the first term because of tiredness (all children are entitled to attend the paid for wraparound care). This term they usually have something on offer for this year group as they are more settled in the school routine plus I think the days get better as we eventually get out of darkness and spring is on the way which feels less tiring too.

You’ll largely get judgement is the issue. You should do what feels best for you.

My son did after school football for several years because he wanted to. He was in wraparound on other days but the day football was on I didn’t need it for childcare but I used it for his benefit. I see no reason not to if you can afford it.

Of course they are. How does an extra hour of Lego after school with their friends prevent that?

Yes. This. This is a club not wraparound care for working parents.

Blimey aren’t children just allowed to come home any more. And chill out .

It’s only mean if he doesn’t like it. I don’t believe every child is happier at home with mummy. Mine much preferred playing with other kids outside at ASC than coming home with me or going to the park where there might or might not be anyone to play with.
Before he started school everyone told me he’d be tired at 3:30 but my ds was wired and needed to run about crazy with other kids. ASC was perfect for him.

DS did clubs after school when I was SAHM, but they were clubs he was interested in eg Lego. He chose to do them

Oh so you mean after school clubs as opposed to after school childcare. (Our school has both) I’d definitely do it , it’s exercise, social and fun.

100000% send him to after school clubs. Year 1 DS is a million times easier if he has been to one of the clubs his school offers (term just gone it was dance one night and drawing another) for an hour. He’s also bouncing off the walls and a bit manic if we’re home by 3:30pm!

Lots of schools do clubs and hobbies for their wraparound provision. Our school does cooking, art, sports etc.

You don’t need anyone’s approval. Do what you like. If your son dislikes it then reassess.

Don't feel guilty about this if it makes you a better person and parent!
I've done the same and the after school clubs mean less screen time, more activity and more social time for kids. My child likes after school club less now as they are in yr 6 and is the eldest with lots of little ones, but still has to go some days and still asks to go when the after school club do themed afternoons like bake offs 😂 But when she was younger she'd happily go and didn't understand me having a day off in the week sometimes!! As a single parent with lots to squeeze in working full time, and working the weekends she was at her dads I very rarely felt guilty!

I’m a SAHM, but mine stay a bit later to do extra-curricular clubs run by their school. I let them know what’s on offer and give them the option. My youngest is about to start some in Reception, so I will keep an eye on how tired she is, but she is really keen to join in!

I needed to book both mine in for a few paid ASC sessions temporarily. My eldest (Year 2) absolutely loved it, so has actually continued to go 1 day a week until 5pm, and is put out friends are still there until 6pm 😂 I would not take this spot if it was needed by a working parent, but our ASC numbers are very low.

You could always try it and see how he gets on. If children are happy and enjoying these activities/social time and aren’t too tired, then fab!

My daughter gets cross when I pick her up early from after school club! (Yr 1). If he's happy enough there then why not, if he hates it I think I'd feel bad doing it if it wasn't needed.

I do think you have confused people by implying you were going to put him into wraparound school provision.

What you are talking about is allowing him to go to a 'hobby' / 'sports' / 'interest' club after school for an hour, yes?

Which is quite different.

Personally, (having been a Reception teacher) I think most 4 yr old are tired enough by the school day. I know many of us (me included) needed to use wraparound care because we were at work, but if you don't then most dc would be better off at home and not doing additional learning after school.
The reason he has been grumpy is almost certainly because he is exhausted, as most infant - but particularly Reception - age dc are at the end of the Autumn Term. By taking him home, you have the flexibility to run around with a ball or build something with lego or just flop down with the TV or a story when that is what he needs. By signing him up, you are committing him to an extra hour of learning on those days which is not what most 4 (or 5) year olds really need.

Of course there are exceptions. But I've worked with a lot of Reception age dc.

If it’s a club that he’d like then go for it.

WHY would you ever feel guilty?

If the poor kid is sobbing going to the club, then yes, remove him, but doing fun stuff after school, possibly meeting new friends? Thats' brilliant.

Clubs are a treat, not a punishment, They never start too early.

I read somewhere that in Primary school we should encourage them to do as many and as diverse clubs as possible, so they find what they like and hopefully stick with 1 or 2 in secondary school.

Playdates are great, but it's easier for parents to stick with clubs 😂

Depends on your child. My dc1 did it no problems two days a week when I was at work.
Dc2 struggled (youngest in school year) but luckily they made him a nap corner so he could power snooze which worked well as 30min nap and he was raring to go.
Dc3 coped just fine too
And they did enjoy it as it was only twice a week so didn't get repetitive

A short club doing an activity he enjoys with his friends sounds great. He will decompress and have fun. I do the same with my reception child whilst having a young baby at home. I collect my DD at 4:30 after having done tennis or drawing club and she’s had a much nicer time than she would with me whilst I’m juggling with the baby!