My toddler doesn’t do enough activities?

[Korr]

Ds 2.5 goes to nursery four days, then a day with me in the week to do soft play or food shop etc. Weekends sometimes swimming (not a lesson), walk, meal out, a national trust etc. Apparently by now he should be attending activities like rugby toys or swim class or something structured? Any opinions on this? We have no money left after nursery!

Mine started swimming lessons at that age. I can't swim myself though so couldn't teach him. He also did football but that was because I needed to tire him out. Neither were necessary though

just so you can waste your money? Toddlers just need to be active, and they often like being active with other toddlers, but it doesn’t have to be in some kind of structured activity. Personally, I think the less structured the better. Particularly as it relates to running through a wood, getting to pick up leaves and explore etc.

Another one saying he's fine OP!

My DD didn't start preschool until she was 3, and before that we went to one toddler group, once a week, and that was it! DS started preschool at 2.5 but he also only went to the same toddler group once a week. We also went to the park, shops, library, nature centre, beach, soft play, etc.

They're 10 and 6 now and still only do minimal activities compared to some kids (swimming lessons and Brownies/Beavers, plus one after school club each).

Sounds like a competitive parent. Every kid and every family is different. If you’re happy and your kid is happy then all is fine. Kids do need to be active but things like playing or a walk or going to the swings are enough. If you think an activity looks like fun, provides a positive environment for you and your kid, and you’re happy to spend the time and money on it then go for it. But if you don’t want to and you are happy as you are then don’t worry. I would say that my kids have absolutely zero memory of any activities they did at that age and they have probably made zero difference to their development or abilities as they got older but I made some lovely mum friends so I am glad we did them. Also you are at toddler class so you are doing an organised educational activity so I wouldn’t even say you don’t do anything.

If competitive patent is getting under your skin I’d probably try and avoid them or if you have to talk with them just smile and nod and don’t take it personally. Some people are just like that. I don’t think they mean to make feel you are doing a bad job but they somehow make you feel that if you are doing things differently to them you are doing things wrong.

I'm not in the uk but I find the swimming lessons my son is doing (at almost 5) is something you could skip. It's fun and gets them enjoying the water, but they only do glides and haven't started strokes yet. So if money is tight I'd wait till he's atan age where they're learning more.

Says who

Sounds like enough to me

Totally this and they need to go at their own pace too, not be squished in to too many structured classes at that age. They have a lifetime ahead of them for that. Trust your own instincts op!

Reading this makes me feel extremely grateful I am not bringing up a toddler at the moment and makes me want to issue an "in my day ....." type of statement

Learning to swim=useful. Playgroup,nursery, seeing friends etc = essential. Being fleeced for almost anything else and feeling like the very full schedule and nice family activities you have outlined is not enough= stupid level of social pressure.

I feel very old and will go and have a little lie down now.

Boys look fairly cute too.

OP you are doing more than enough.