Advice on clubs for kids

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I feel I’m really letting my kids down (8 year old girl and 5 year old boy). I had depression when they were born but really tried to get out and about and took them to baby clubs which they loved but I stopped once they got to age 1 or 2. I feel very disappointed in myself as I was listening to a group of mums recently talking about various clubs they doing for their kids after school and I don’t do anything! Could anyone advise me about what I could be doing with them? I’ve tried asking what they want to do but they have no opinions as they don’t do anything. Could anyone please give me ideas. I’ve tried looking online but I get so overwhelmed with all the options etc and give up. I’m living in East London.

My DD started martial arts at 8 and is still going at 19!
DS did some martial arts and football, piano ect but didn't like it. He's done nothing for a few years.

He's now joined the cadets age 13 and absolutely loves it.
I gess its try and error with after school activities.

Always remember, they are meant to be fun! So if it doesn't work out, just leave it for a while and let them decide what to do.

Can they swim? Swimming lessons are really worthwhile for safety.

Everything else - just be driven by what they seem to like? My DD2 is very physical and does lots of sports and gymnastics. She also loves Brownies. DD1 not so physical and does ballet and drama. They both prefer doing stuff their friends are at, so maybe ask their friends’ parents? Be prepared for waiting lists.

But really don’t worry too much! I grew up doing zero extra curricular stuff and still turned out fine!!

There will be tons of options in East London. I've never sought out reviews or opinions on which clubs to try, just looked at the website or poster and decided to try it. Almost everywhere will let you try something out for one week to see what they think.

In London I'd stick to places within walking distance if you can. So much easier when you don't have to take traffic or public transport delays into account. If there are clubs at the dcs school, look into those, though it's often oversubscribed. If there is a church/community hall nearby, they often have the club flyers on a noticeboard.

My dcs like drama/dance, gymnastics, swimming and ballet. We try to fit in all clubs after school so that we can leave weekends free - then we can do different stuff each weekend like the London museums, galleries, parks and performances.

Swimming is really important and beyond that what do they want to do? My DD does tennis and ballet.

Girlguiding / Scouts. There are definitely groups in East London and its very good value for money (the group i run in south London is £3 per week for example). There are lots of Brownie groups for your 8yr old DD but there are not very many Squirrel groups around for your 5yr old DS. He might be better joining Beavers when he is 6yrs.

https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-a-child/

https://www.scouts.org.uk/squirrels/ or https://www.scouts.org.uk/beavers/

Just try different things.

We do a family martial arts class which myself and my 3 kids love! I got my black belt recently too! Just be careful with which club you choose. Some of the chain ones are awful with constant demands for money.

Perhaps try Beavers? Gymnastics? Dance? Mine all do piano too which they love! (Again find the right teacher)

DD did piano lessons, horse riding, swimming and after we moved no riding lessons but instead did an art club. She also did Brownies, choir and drama at school.

DS1 did swimming, rugby after school, riding lessons until we moved, art.

DS2 did swimming, Cubs/Scouts, electric guitar and karate.

Foster child does swimming, cricket including 1-1 lessons for technique, karate, Crav Maga and used to do Cubs/Scouts. He did Stage Coach for 5 years to help him with confidence.

All have done holiday clubs like multi sport too and drama too.

Thank you so much everyone! That’s really snacking advice and ideas. I’ve been on the phone to some of them but no response so sent an email. I find this so overwhelming!