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Original poster

after school clubs

16 replies

Nanga · 12/09/2010 21:29

After the first week back at school, DS has come home with a book-bag full of flyers for after school activities and clubs. Football, FunFit, Spanish, Swimming etc etc.

When he was in Reception he wasn't keen on doing anything extra-curricula and I didn't push it, as I thought settling in at school was the most important thing. I was always a bit Hmm of some mums who sent their kids to every activity going, every day of the week.

However, I don't know if maybe I should have pushed it more now, as every activity I suggest he tries he shrieks with horror and pleads with me to not send him there.

I KNOW he'll probably like it when he gets there - he's a pretty happy, confident, sociable boy. I just feel so MEAN pressuring him into trying these clubs - I know it'll be hell for the first few times...

What do others do? I don't want to pry with the other mums to see if their DCs actually want to go to the clubs, or whether they force them into it.

any thoughts?

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Original poster
Nanga · 12/09/2010 21:30

I meant to say - he's in year one now

OP posts:
ChasingSquirrels · 12/09/2010 21:32

I just ask ds if there is any he wants to do, if he does - fine, if he doesn't - fine :)

onimolap · 12/09/2010 21:39

The activities expand and can take over your life! If he's not fussed, enjoy the respite!

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OhWhatNoooow · 12/09/2010 21:41

I took the initiative and told my 5 year old shes going to start ballet. she was fine about it. I felt she needed something to boost her self esteem. I asked my 7 yo if he wanted to do anything, and he said no way, but last term he wanted to do football and cubs. I'm not a believer in pushing kids to do these activities as i think they are only extra things and are not that necessary unless the child actually wants to do it. My kids just want to unwind after school and hang out at home. Its a long day...

cat64 · 12/09/2010 22:01

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TheNextMrsDepp · 12/09/2010 22:04

I second swimming - it's the only activity I insisted on. Everything else was their choice, and with 3dcs I'm quite glad they didn't want to do everything!

Original poster
Nanga · 13/09/2010 09:47

thanks for your replies. that definitely makes me feel better about not forcing the issue. swimming it is ... when we can afford the £12 a session fee!!

OP posts:
mungo8 · 13/09/2010 09:52

My DD would try anything. Everything she has tried she has kept up and still wants to do more. It costs an absolute fortune. My son wants to do nothing everything I suggest he doesn't want to do so I do not push it. Strangely enough my son is the more confident outgoing one Confused

amidaiwish · 13/09/2010 09:56

swimming is the only after school thing i see as non-negotiable (DDs are now in reception and Y2). They can give up when they have their 25m badge!
this term they are also doing tennis after school on tuesday, DD2 does ballet on thursday (afternoon, she is still 1/2 days at school) and DD1 does an after school fun dance thing.

Tennis I will see how they get on, won't renew after christmas if they don't want to, or are too tired. (it is expensive!)
Ballet and dance are completely driven by them and optional.

DD1 also does a few lunchtime things, i like those as their lunchbreak is 1hr 40mins !!!

LowLevelWhiinging · 13/09/2010 09:57

Where the heck are you going for swimming lessons? Twelve quid a session??! Shock

We pay £45 for 10 lessons at our municipal pool.

amidaiwish · 13/09/2010 09:58

I pay £130/term for swimming, so that's about £11 a go i think.
1 instructor in the water with 3 kids so a good ratio (the best i think)
tis the norm here, just in a nearby state primary with a specialist swim school who use different pools.

kreecherlivesupstairs · 13/09/2010 10:35

DD has just taken up pottery which she loves, and karate which she hates. She was desperate to do this when she'd seen karate kid, me and DH were happy to sign her up for it. Last week was the first session and when I went to collect her I knew it would be her last. She was the only girl which wouldn't ordinarily be a problem. the problem was the other members of the class were aged 4 and five, only one was 6. She was horrified. She is a very grown up (in her mind) 9.4. I have persuaded her to give it another go this week, but am just very glad I didn't buy her a suit to do it in.

cat64 · 13/09/2010 17:07

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amidaiwish · 13/09/2010 18:23

the swimming lessons in our local pool are £100/term but have one instructor per six children, and the instructor is not in the pool.

maybe out of London/SE lessons can be cheaper but not round here.

Original poster
Nanga · 14/09/2010 09:56

seriously, £11 - £15 is the norm around here. it's surrey dahling. The nearest council run pool is about 6 miles away with a year long waiting list, and I can't fit the travelling time around all the family commitments and work. Confused

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redderthanred · 14/09/2010 15:00

DD starts school after xmas.

She can do what she wants, Have just started swimming ( non negociable) Not allowed to quit till shes done life saving.

£82 a term for two techers with a max of 8 pupils. ( though there is currently only 5) East anglia.

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