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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I or is he?

13 replies

MrGrey · 25/06/2012 13:44

Ds age 4 has recently started football sessions for 4-6 age group.

Like lots of 4 year olds he's not always amazing at following instructions, listening and concentrating.

He really wanted to go but the first week was too shy to join in, now he is joining in but he doesn't really 'get it'. He will join in and do well at some of the activities but at other times gets distracted or doesn't understand what he's supposed to be doing. He's only been for 3 sessions and dp thinks there's no point as he's too young and has decided ds isn't really 'interested' in football. He also said it might help if we had more football on the tv but that's another story.

I think that while ds wants to go he should be encouraged even if he doesn't get it perfect all the time. I think it will help him to learn to listen, build his confidence and hopefully help to improve his concentration.

My point of view is if he keeps going he will get better and yiou have to start somewhere but dp just thinks that he's too young.

I feel as though dp always focuses on the negative instead of looking at the positives.

OP posts:
HecateAdonaea · 25/06/2012 13:46

I think if he's having fun and wants to go, then he should go. If for no other reason than he's having fun, getting exercise and making friends.

If he stops wanting to go, then he doesn't have to.

OTheHugeManatee · 25/06/2012 13:47

He also said it might help if we had more football on the tv Nice try, mister Grin

Shutupanddrive · 25/06/2012 13:51

He is BU. As long as he is enjoying himself, let him go

WorraLiberty · 25/06/2012 13:52

If the coach is happy for him to attend that it's fine imo.

But is the problem that he doesn't always understand and sometimes gets distracted, or is it that he doesn't get it perfect every time?

Because they are two entirely different things.

sooperdooper · 25/06/2012 13:53

As long as he's enjoying it then he should carry on going, it's bound to take a while for him to get it, but as long as he's having fun stick with it :)

KurriKurri · 25/06/2012 13:54

Well at 4 he's not going to be learning how to actually play football, he's going to be learning how to join in, follow instructions, have a run about with other kids and get some exercise and most of all have some fun - he's not too young for any of those things. And the point is he is 'learning' - he's very little so he will get a bit muddled or distracted sometimes, - that's fine, he'll get the hang of it soon enough.

More football on the TV???? - yeah, right 'cos 4 year olds always like to sit down with a can and watch the match of an evening Grin

TapirBackRider · 25/06/2012 14:01

He is. Your ds is only 4, and is not going to be spot on from the very start.

There are far more benefits in this for him, and as long as he's enjoying himself I'd take him.

Your dh needs to realise that at that age, interests are fostered & nurtured, not just immediately apparent. As for the footie on tv thing, he's just trying it on! Grin

Catsdontcare · 25/06/2012 14:01

At four it's not really football just play thinly veiled as football. Ds started going when he was 5 and it was so funny to watch them all prancing around with no awareness what so ever! Anyway if he's having fun then let him carry on.

MrGrey · 25/06/2012 14:03

Kurri exactly my thinking.

Worra I think do expects too much. And I think he actually get a little embarrassed when ds isn't doing what he's supposed to be doing. Wheareas I'm just really happy and proud that he's joining in and will praise him for that with a bit of gentle encouragement to listen more.

It's not a serious football team it's a 12 week course that runs back to back so naturally some of the kids that have been going for a long time have got pretty good.

OP posts:
IloveJudgeJudy · 25/06/2012 14:07

If he/his dad wants him to keep up with football, I would encourage him to keep going. DS2 only started playing at 7/8 and that was already too young. He joined a club and the other boys were very impatient with him as they had all started at 4/5. Sad

MammaTJ · 25/06/2012 16:36

Bless you DP for trying in on with the more football on the telly thing!!

Your DS, as long as he is enjoying it, should keep going.

Most 4 year olds are only just learning to concentrate and follow instructions.

Socknickingpixie · 25/06/2012 16:48

my teenager goes to football lessons hes never kicked a ball in his life but very much enjoys being a team supporter.

if he likes it let him go, send DH to mine where i will slap him upside the head and never but never allow any football related tv in my house after a year if you let him watch it for just 5 mins a time he will be so gratefull to you that you could probally get foot rubs and the dishes done

Sandalwood · 25/06/2012 17:04

Is it the money?

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