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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

Is my 4 year old doing too much?

57 replies

Morgandetoi · 28/11/2021 09:01

What do you think is the correct amount of activity’s for a 4 year old?

She isn’t at school yet and is at pre school 2 days a week, but I worry she is doing too much at a young age.

Monday
Gymnastics- 1 hour 10.45-11.45
Swimming training -1/2 an hour 7.00-7.30pm
Tuesday
Swimming lesson - 1/2 hour - 11.30-12.00
Wens
Pre school 9-4
Swimming training- 1/2 hour 7.00-7.30pm
Thursday
Preschool 9-4
Friday
No activity’s
Saturday
Ballet and tap - 1hour - 9-10am
Sunday
No activity’s

She also wants piano lessons and horse riding lessons but I worry she is already doing too much? She absolutely loves all of these activity’s and happily attends. She also still has afternoon naps on the days she’s not at preschool school.

Thoughts?

OP posts:
Notnastypasty · 28/11/2021 09:21

If she’s happily doing them then I’d continue. At age 4 my daughter wanted to have a go at everything - some hobbies just fall away when they’ve had enough of it, I’m sure she’ll let you know if that’s the case.

Wormsarecool · 28/11/2021 09:20

I would cut back to one swimming lesson a week I think but otherwise fine. Out of interest, what is swimming training compared to lessons? That’s the bit that would worry me at 4 I think.

Hollyhead · 28/11/2021 09:19

A 4 year old doing swimming training? That’s very unusual!

I personally think it’s a ridiculous number of activities and very pushy, but all children are different so as long as she’s enjoying it!

hidinginquote · 28/11/2021 09:18

I think if she's happy doing it it's probably fine, but I agree with previous poster that the 7.30pm finish seems really late, my 4 year old is pretty much asleep by 7.30 (also not yet at school)

Bobbybobbins · 28/11/2021 09:08

I think it seems ok given she is not in school full time yet - would advise cutting back if she is feeling tired once she starts. I wouldn't add any more on - maybe she could choose? Or try out a taster for the new activities?

squee123 · 28/11/2021 09:08

That swimming training seems very late for a child of 4. Most kids are in bed by the time it finishes.

peboh · 28/11/2021 09:03

That does feel like a lot, but if you're all happy with it for now then I don't see you the harm. However when she's in full time school, you'll probably want to cut back to one or two activities a week, otherwise it'll just be far too tiring for her.