Sat down and read school information with nippers....

[frozendaisy]

Was all ok until "no after school clubs" came up, youngster was crest-fallen. Oh my little sweetie. It's a small thing I know but to him it's the world.

He's only 9, he has been as good as gold since March shutdown. His bro got half a term back in June, he took that on the chin. But this, oh, my little sweetie.

Just the small moments sometimes isn't it.

Maybe if you explain this is temporary and hopefully be back soon, that could help? I know, our trips and clubs are cancelled too.

What does he like doing?

Do you do school pick up and have a group of mums you get on well with?

Could you try and arrange something twice a week?

So football in park?

Meet in garden and play garden games - skittles or whatever.

Perhaps club together for arts stuff if they love art?

I get what you mean. Ds finished school abruptly (yr 11) and swim training ended (he trained 6 times a week and was competition season)

He seemed to take it all on the chin. Until the day pools opened and he realised he could only have 3 training sessions. It was like half a return to normal was harder to deal with than having no normal.

He's back from next week 5 sessions a week. But instead only 1 2 hour session when he used to 3.

He's also starting college but it's blended learning, no canteen and no clubs etc.

Perhaps enrol in some out of school extracurricular activities to fill the gap? It is so hard for them all, the logic doesn't always stack up either and it is so difficult to explain to younger DC.

How come no after school clubs? They’ve all been up & running since June around me..

After school schools are on rain check until after half term at least here too.

I was reading on on two external gymnastics clubs to fill some energy burning holes. But it's all "dont touch this, dont be one minute late ..."

Clubs dont sound like they will be much fun right now anyway. Hopefully clubs will start up again once people start unclenching a out schools opening.

If not I think they will start going bust

It breaks my heart really, how they've all had to cope and adapt.

I know what you mean, OP, the small things can bring a lump to the throat. Children's lives have been turned upside down and they have shown such amazing resilience but sometimes it's all just too much. I love the idea of having your own little club for your ds and a few friends from his school bubble, especially if it's something they can do outdoors after school.

Mine are teens but gutted no football on the astro, no contact sports or clubs.

Those extras, those important extra curricular parts on hold - don't underestimate their worth.

I did explain to him it won't be forever and everyone is in the same boat.

He does "private" clubs, football, swimming, gym, he sees a couple of friends.

He was just looking forward to AstroTurf football with his school mates clearly. More than he voiced and he couldn't hide his disappointment. It just tugged at the heart strings.