If your parents took you to do sports/ music / dance...was it worth it?

[upwardsandonwards33]

Or indeed if you have ferried your now older children to e.g ballet/ swimming / brownies/ instrumental tuition...
Do you think it paid off?
My dd are young but I can see that there will be more of this in the years ahead.
What did you get out of it all if you went to a myriad of clubs as a child or what did your dc get out of it (if they are now 16 yrs +)?

I had massively underestimated the amount of time we would devote as parents to ferrying our children to various clubs/classes. They are now 8 and 12. Old enough to enjoy lots of activities but not old enough to get themselves there and back!
Over the years ours have done swimming, dancing, rainbows/brownies, beavers/cubs, music lessons and playing in various bands/ensembles. I am very much of the view that they should only carry on if they enjoy it (apart from swimming!). They've had to make choices over time, eg when activities fall on the same day or we just can't manage the logistics. I would never do any of it thinking that it will 'pay off' in the literal sense, but I think it all contributes to a 'rounded' person who can make good use of their leisure time and grow in confidence. DS is very musical but I don't expect it will end up being his career. Hopefully a life-long interest in music and the enjoyment of playing with others.

I think it was very beneficial once they found the activities that were for them.

For one child this was solely sport but they have travelled the world competing make friends wherever they go by joining teams, but the injuries and the damage to their body worries me, but they say they'd much prefer the aches and pains than a life of no sport.

For the other one it was both music and sport again travelled the world doing both, fewer injuries with the music, but they've had more severe injuries with the sport!

Both had their schooling paid for by obtaining scholarships in their extra curricular activities.

Both thank us, their parents, often for the opportunities so yes worthwhile if it's something they enjoy (like anything in life).

Very grateful for the opportunities. We tried lots and were able then to go for what we really wanted, even if my mum didn't like it particularly. She loathed my particular hobby although hilariously, supports my DDs' love of it .

I hope to do the same with our DDs while not over scheduling them. Although that said, I was very judgey about the amount of activities my DNs were involved in (barely had a free moment). They're now in their late teens and two more rounded, kind, personable, and bright teenagers you couldn't hope to meet. They're a credit to themselves and their parents.

My oldest first born child(daughter) was such a blessing I was so happy I finally had a girl who I could do make up with and share girly things I.e make up etc. She found her own course started to watch football with her dad think it started to appease him and give him some daddy daughter time turned into a like of it then a love of it then she wanted to play it now she is such a fab little footballer she does training 5 nights a week and plays games sat mornings and Sundays too she represents swansea in the under 12s and is about to head to Birmingham for the finals she has made me so proud I couldn't even describe I am more than happy to support her for as long as she wants to even if it means standing at the side of a football pitch cheering her on at all hours and in all weathers.

We have a couple of rules with our kids - if they want to do something they take it up for a month - then they can continue or quit - if continue, then they keep going for a year - then they can continue or quit. Otherwise it gets to be a trial-fest - try this, try that, never settle. They both chose karate for a couple of years, gym/dance stopped after a month, swimming after a year, one still does piano at 16, the other air cadets.

Dd was bullied in yr1 and suddenly found herself ostracised in the playground led by a particular child and instigated by a conversation with the mother. Play dates dried up. I got her very very busy with extra curricular activities. She is very sporty like her dad. It did wonders to her confidence and gives her a social group outside of school. Her favourite activity is riding and she's pretty good and did pony camp for 4 nights at age 8. She participated in the Young Voices choir. She dances and her dance school participates annually in a competition as well as doing a yearly show. All very exciting and good for character building. Although dd went through an incredibly difficult time at school, the bullying did her a favour as a whole new world opened up so that she could leave the old one behind. Up until this point, dd and this girl were inseparable. I think it's a good thing they now are not as I'd rather dd was friends with people, who are kind and caring, not controlling (like the mother).

We didn't do a lot. There wasn't much to do in the village.
I did:
Brownies (no Rainbows in those days and my dsis hated guides so I don't think I was given the option)
Tennis (my parents played so there wasn't much ferrying about except to the odd tournament)
Violin (did in school for free, only a few chosen)
Shotokan Karate (my dad did it so I tagged along for a couple of years, not a usual option for a small girlie 8yo girl though!)

There were other things available but they were either Saturdays which my parents refused to do, or not walkable to, so parents weren't happy to take us to something that required driving regularly.
I know I asked to do both ballet and tap, and my dsis wanted to do horse-riding and fencing. I don't think my bro asked to do anything though.

I think it would have been good for all of us. None of us are sociable, my dbro and dsis are worse and having a group of out of school friends would have been good for all of us. Probably particularly dsis who would have liked friends but found it hard to make them at school.

I still play tennis, and, although I hadn't played for 20 years, ds started playing the violin and I've been enjoying playing with him.

All of mine have tried cubs, ballet, computer club, hockey, dance, cooking club, piano, guitar, art, p.e. club gardening club. They have enjoyed all of them. I only insisted on swimming and no more than 2 a week. Some have stopped as they've shut others as my lot would rather trade in gardening for dance etc Im pleased we tried them. 1 is a performer 1 had a musical gift but not the intetest but has found other clubs now hes at secondary, 1 still trying to find their 'thing' so is off to science club. If they lose interest we stop, they understand Im paying and expect commitment but if they're not having fun I stop and look for something else. As a kid I did nothing not even swimming or brownies. Too broke with parents working 4 jobs to keep us all but I have lots of intetests and hobbies now.

My dd does swimming lessons, dance class, brownies and singing and drama club at school...plus usually another after school club (she's done games club and this term, it's ultimate frisbee club) - she loves doing all of them, good from a social aspect and keeps her active. Ds is a bit younger but would be doing swimming lessons but has problems with his ears - he does mini ninjas to keep active and to give him a bit of discipline beating him wasn't having the desired effect He's only in Reception so no after school clubs yet and we have his name down for Beavers. I think it's nice to do a variety of things and concentrate on one if they show a flair or a great desire to progress.

When I was a kid, I did Brownies and Guides but ended up joining Venture Scouts and some of the people I met there are my best friends (25 years on!). I also did judo for a time but lost interest

I was taken to ballet then to dance. I gave ballet up because I though I looked stupid (I was about 6) and I desperately wanted to go back but couldn't ask my mother as she always knew best. I gave dance up as I wasn't "chosen" even though I was pretty good - the teacher picked one kid and zoomed them through. I did riding and enjoyed it but it was too cold in the winter and as I didn't want to go then, I was told I obviously didn't enjoy it and was manipulated into to giving it up. Brother had his own horse of course being the boy. As well as his own motor bike and scrap cars (as a kid I mean), I held on to grim death with piano lessons for years even though I wasn't very good - I can't span an octave as my hands are very inflexible.

What I learnt from this is to allow your child to do what they want. Let them take up a hobby they enjoy. If the leave it for a while and want to go back, that is also fine. Hobbies aren't about being the best or a career at the end of it. It's the journey, which is important and what we learn about ourselves along the way. Beyondthepages approach seems very sensible.

I did piano lessons and Scottish dancing as a kid. Neither of which I have any interest in now (or talent).

I only take my kids to things they enjoy and practice, so yes worth it.
but they are limited to 1 sport, 1 music and scouts

My sister and I chose to do music and dance when we were younger. We also did ice skating, and various other things, but mainly music and dance.
We're both 40ish now and we still do music, in fact it's a hobby that we can do together. Music especially has been brilliant for making friends - university, moving towns, just join an orchestra or concert band. I still dance (am 33 weeks pregnant and still going) and love it. It relaxes me so much and has kept me fit and active.
So yes, absolutely worth it as it's brought so much to my life. I know my parents definitely don't regret it as they come and watch us play.
I will certainly be encouraging our children to try whatever hobbies they want, and hope they find something they enjoy.

Manic well done to your Dd.

Personally - Brownies and guides I loved - life long resilience and memories from the camps.

Badminton - great I still play and means I can play "properly"

Piano - bit of a waste of time tbh don't play now. Two out 3 ain't bad.

Mine do a language as at state school and they don't do languages to speak of. My 10 year old conjugating verbs. Both do brownies / guides, an instrument in school time and tennis. I think if you can facilitate it great only beneficial if they enjoying it as long as some messing about time built in.

I went to Brownies, Swimming, Ballet and Girls Brigade. The only thing I got from it was a lot of enjoyable memories, my sister taught me to swim several years later, and I remember a holiday with the Girls Brigade to the Isle of Wight when we went marching in the carnival.

My 3 children had a variety of clubs swimming, kickboxing, cricket, golf, Tennis, football, gym, guitar lessons, recorder, rainbows, brownies, gym and ballet. All 3 are excellent swimmers, one of my sons is very musical and plays the guitar, sings etc (he is 24) but the eldest didn't take anything further. I don't know what they get from it to be honest but at the time its something you do, to help them find an interest and mix with friends.

Yes definitely beneficial.

My oldest has done ballet (and later on modern, tap and jazz) semi-seriously since she was 3. She is now 15. I don't think she is going to dance professionally but the benefits of dance have been huge for her. As well as enjoying the actual dancing, it's given her beautiful poise, discipline (which spills over into other areas in her life), lots of new friends, new experiences (going off on residential dance courses not knowing anyone), confidence and fun. And she is very fit and supple. And for me, one of my good friends is another ballet mum, we never would have met otherwise.

I think with these things to let your child take the lead and let them try things if they want to. And don't think about the future or if it 'will pay off'. Let them have fun and see where it goes.

My Dad cried when I gave up piano and said that I'd regret it as an adult. I'm 43 and still waiting for that day when I feel all regretful . Mind you my DS asked if he could have lessons and is about to sit Grade 2 piano any day now. I wouldn't force it upon him at all, ever. He loves playing. Everyone is happy.

I think these things are hugely hugely beneficial, whether they take them seriously or not. I'm pretty lazy so never became good at these things but thanks to my parents making an effort I know what it feels like:

To play a musical instrument, piano and guitar
To sing in harmony
To stand in the wings of a play nervous to go on
To ride a horse, showjump, hunt, drassage, pony club, carriage driving
To dress in a leotard and feel what ballet is like
To windsurf, wakeboard, canoe, kayak and sail
To attend brownies and do my badges
To camp and put up a tent
To swim, play tennis, play hockey, rugby, cricket, football, to ski
Etc

These are not my greatest skills by a long shot but from when I was a child and for the rest of my life I can relate to people and converse with them on almost any topic. It's very clear when you meet someone who has not had these privileges as they show a lack of knowledge and usually interest in any hobby which is completely understandable if you don't know what it feels like to experience any of these things.

So doing classes in anything and everything is not necessarily about becoming a master of things (which is amazing if it happens) but having a feel and memory for many experiences.

It's one of the greatest advantages in the life of an adult.

I think it's valuable that I was pushed out of my comfort zones. I learnt to do a lot of stuff that I had zero talent for -- and 2bh, didn't especially enjoy. But you don't just do stuff you're good at or that you much enjoy.

I suppose the negative side is that I learnt that I can perfectly understand every instruction, try my very hardest for a long time on a regular basis, and still make very little improvement. Which is demoralising. But hey, I learnt I can survive that, too.

My DDS go to Rainbows/Brownies, dance classes (3 different ones), drama class, gymnastics and swimming (they don't both go to ALL of those things!). It is a lot of ferrying around (all by me, DH doesn't drive) but I think it is so worth it. They mix with lots of different people, get exercise, learn new skills, have fun! I do regularly check with them though that it's not too much and that they are still havjng fun. I'd never want them to be doing anything that they weren't enjoying.

Was completely worth it for me, even when for years I didn't enjoy some of the hobbies, they've all given me an edge with my career, and several skills I enjoy.

That's just it Puss. Even to the level of joking around with people at a work do, displaying knowledge and (faked) passion for everything from skiing to opera gives you a huge advantage.

I was enrolled in singing and drama classes, and my parents encouraged me to work hard at it, as i had potential, I've just signed a recording contract with a household name record label, so while it was hard work, a lot of money and I got put down a lot... I'd say it was worth it

I don't think it matters what they get out of it long term (as your 16+ question) it's about the enjoyment at the time surely?

I have tried to expose dd to lots of things eg gymnastics, ballett, violin, singing, musical theater, drama and swimming/ brownies - not all at the same time.

I have asked her to finish the term but not pushed her to carry on where there has been no interest, her passion right now is swimming. She loves it, so we continue with that, and as other PP said its a really good grounding for other sports like sailing, surfing when older, but not because I think its a life skill. I don't actually - as a non swimmer I don't put myself into positions where I need to swim.

She also enjoys singing so we will probably try and continue with that. I have felt guilty however for not pushing her more or doing more, like a musical instrument. Interesting to hear from 40+ posters they were pushed and didnt like it. Good thread. I think expose to as much as you can and see what takes. I cant see point in pushing if there is genuinely no interest - pushing when they are half way through and love something different.