to think 3 after school activities is too much for a 4 yr old?

[evansmummy]

Which are ballet, gymnastics and swimming.

I feel guilty for not sending mine to any

DD did one when she was in reception. She used to get so tired I didn't think it fair to do any others.

She does 2 now she's in year 1 and she's still tired come the end of the week. She'd love to do dancing so I am thinking about it for after Christmas.

I just find three in a week shocking. The child has only just started in Reception. Just seems a bit much, that's all.

I had a mindee who did 3 swimming, trampoline and dance, after being picked up at 5.30 (she was with me every day 8 - 5.30).

This was the year before she started school.

Far to much she was exhausted and it showed in her behaviour.

I think it depends on the child - it might be too many for your DCs (and for many 4 year olds tbh if they are just starting reception), but not for some children.

Good, not just me then. I've only got the one dc and so not much experience of this but it did seem excessive!

My DD does ballet and dance/drama all on the same day and she loves it. She was doing another two different activities in the Summer term but because of the travelling distance between them we all found it a bit much. Ballet is much closer to home and only took up dance/drama because offering a free trial class and she came out beaming. But two activities is enough for her and us.

My just 4yo does swimming twice per week, mostly because his big brother does it, but also because we have a pool and I really want him to be able to float without armbands by next summer. I think it's a bit tiring though. One saturday morning is best probably, if there's one particular thing they want to do.

It is quite a lot but, saying that, my DS1 has gone swimming twice a week (tues & thurs), games/art club (wed) & a club on mon to help with mobility & co-ordination since he was in Reception. However, all these are between 3.50 - 4.50pm & (apart from swimming) are held at school, which is where DH & I work and I don't finish until 4.50pm. Admitedly he falls asleep in the car on the way home & is very tired by Fri but has got used to it & sleeps fabulously well during the week

My 2 elder dds (nearly 4 and 5.9) do ballet once a week, but are in different classes, so that's two afternoons taken up. I was thinking about swimming as well, but if that's two more afternoons I think it would be too much for me them.

Still feel guilty tho

He's in Year 2 now btw.

My ds will be 4 in Dec, so still at pre-school. He doesn't do any organised activities. We swim twice a week in my mum's pool, but that's it. Should I feel guilty?

Depends on the child. My dd has no stamina and barely managed school during her reception year, nevermind any extra activities. My ds is a much more robust child. He will be 4 at the beginning of next year and is in pre-school 5 mornings a week + lunch club and he does 3 extra activities in the afternoons. What suits one, won't suit another

all depends on the child

some can cope , some are shattered at just being at school all day

some start at just 4, others 4.5, my charge will be 3 weeks off his 5th birthday which i also think makes a difference

Do not feel guilty. It took us years to find an activity DD liked. Your DC will let you know when he really want to do something extra. At 4 you should not be worried he does no activity. As for the ones who do 3 a week, well if they enjoy all three why not.

I wish my youngest would do that amount - she has too much energy - I think it's good if the child really enjoys it and it's not the parents who want their child to be a dancer whatever etc. I'm trying to get mine into Rainbows and as of next year she can do kickboxing if she wants. Her siblings have never been interested - well they start and then drop out after a few weeks.

My dd does ballet, riding and swimming and I'm hoping to start her on French. She's three. She loves her social life, my girl!
My oldest used to do fencing, violin and netball. My ds does nothing.

My younger dd is at nursery. No activities go on past 3.30pm.