Clubs for a 5 year old

[dadyp]

My oldest DS is 5 and in year 1 of school.

Talking to other parents their children are all really involved in a number of clubs both in the school and out the school!

I tried a few things with him (gymnastics, judo) but he just doesn't like it and says he wants to stay at home with us! He's not unhappy at school, he is however a "young" 5 year old, a bit of a day dreamer and generally really happy with his own company! He has a 3 year old brother who they play really nicely together when at home,

What do others think? should we "push" our kids to go to clubs even when they don't want to go? have you pushed them and then they realised they liked it? I'm sitting on the fence as I don't want to force him to do something he doesn't enjoy, but on the flip side I don't want him to become an "outsider" and have nothing in common with the other kids?

I don't think kids should ever be pushed towards activities- some gentle encouragement perhaps, but they are supposed to be for enjoyment.

He is very young yet- in a little while he may feel differently.

Does he have a friend he could go with? It is a bit daunting joining a new club not knowing anyone. My DD started ballet at 5, but she joined with a classmate- it made things a lot easier for both of them.

He went to gymnastics with a friend, but didn't like it... he says he wants to stay at home with us!

I wouldn't see it as a problem- my son was exactly the same, he did try many activities over the years but didn't like them- until he went to rugby at the age of 11 for a couple of years.
It's no big deal in my book- these activities are supposed to be fun after all, and if he prefers to do things at home then that's great.

Carry on trying classes of different things, he may not realise he likes something.

But, if he prefers being at home, I don't think it's an issue. Get him helping with the chores