4 year old boy not liking karate

[mumofthe21stcentury]

Hello mums

My 4 year-old boy has always had nannies (young, female caring nannies) from the age of 6 months. He's been to nursery part Time from 18 months for social skills and since the age of 3 he's in pre school full time. He's always been fine leaving us to go to nursery/ pre school.

He's done swimming for 2 years and he does rugby at the weekends. All of these are organised by, again, young ladies).

He said he wanted to karate and I signed him up. He cried the entire time for his first class because he instructor is male, 6"4 and loud. He was so scared.

I am now faced with a dilemma whether or not I should send him back. On one hand I am worried that he cannot face a difficult situation and I'm bubble wrapping my kid too much. On the other hand I think the instructor could've accommodated a little more. I think karate follows a straight discipline and that's why he has to remain serious and tough. I saw how he was with another boy. The instructor just ignored him the entire class because the little boy didn't tell him his name. He didn't get to understand why or try a different approach. He's only 4 and I think it was a bit harsh.

I don't know to bubble wrap my boy too much but at the same time I don't want him to be shouted up.

Should I send him back?

I am leaning towards that I will get him to try 3 more times and if he hates it we give up.

Please be kind in your response.

I'd give him a couple more goes because 4 year olds can still take a bit of getting used to new people so I wouldn't write it off just yet. Howveer the instructor does seem a bit harsh for young kids so I suppose if he still doesn't settle after the three goes you could leave it for a while and perhaps find a different place in a year or so?

I think give a couple more goes but go with your gut. All kids will whine that they don't want to do these things and yes they need to be taught to be resilient. However if he's coming out of the lesson miserable and you don't get a great vibe from the instructor then is there really any benefit to spending your hard earned money? Mine does dancing and cheerleading. ALWAYS cries and clings to me and makes me feel awful at the dancing but not the cheerleading strangely. However she comes out all smiles and saying she wants to go again next week. If she consistently said she doesn't like it or came out seeming upset I'd ditch it

My DD did Karate from 4 by we were told by the club that they don't usually take them that young and it was only because she was so committed that the accepted her after a few trial sessions.

I'd be wary if a club that made you pay upfront for several lessons fir such a young child.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to give me some advice.

Today my little one did rugby which he loved but suddenly cried and cried. After I said to him he doesn't have to do karate anymore he immediately joins in rugby and had a really good session.

I think I have my answer. He's a bit young for it I think.