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How many/which activities for a 3 year old - advice wanted!

30 replies

usingapseudonym · 08/01/2012 13:43

I would love for my 3 year old to do swimming lessons (we live near the beach she really does need to learn) and to do ballet (even if its just as a pre-schooler, doesn't every girl do ballet at some point - and the "baby ballet" near us is mainly fun based and looks great) and to do gymnastics/tramp (she did it for a while when she was 2 and often talks about it - there is a great place near us with proper equipment and its a great start for all sports) and she loves music lessons.

She also does pre-school 2 mornings a week (will be 3 in April).

So er- firstly that seems too much swim, ballet, gym, music AND pre-school does seem a lot to do. There is another part of my head that wants to just take her out running and exploring countryside and playing lots and not have her doing tons of structured bits.

And secondly we actually couldn't afford to do all that. We really can't afford to do any of it in that we're having to decide priorities. We don't buy new clothes much, eat simply, tiny house so not money or room for many toys... but a huge part of me wants to give her a chance to do things I didn't.

Any idea which of the above you'd prioritise? Does/did your 3 year old do any activities/ lots? Or should I wait until she's at school and just let her play now?
its a minefield isn't it. I do wish we had lots of money! They may "only" be £5 a session but if I was to do that every day we couldn't afford that!

Help?!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Ecureuil · 14/04/2017 08:42

Obviously I don't think a 3 year old needs to do those things, but at 3 she's certainly not 'too young' for them.

IknowIAM1985 · 14/04/2017 08:48

I have a lot on with my DCs.

I'm trying to get the eldest to cut down on things.

At 3.5 it was pre school for 3 mornings.
Swimming and baby ballet/dinky disco.

Now two years later the eldest has Gymnastics, Swimming, ballet/tap combined lesson (30 mins of each), tennis to start soon - free lessons with the tennis law association for 6 weeks. (£5, £7, £7.50, free - per week)

We are starting Rainbows soon so will see how that goes.

IknowIAM1985 · 14/04/2017 08:48

3.5 was in pool independently with swimming teacher and armbands

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Nicpem1982 · 14/04/2017 08:51

My dd has been at her performing arts academy since she was 16 months old (she's 2.5 now) and absolutely adores it,she loves doing her shows and her second one will be coming up in the next year, she's due to start tap and cheer in September too.

Each week she does 2 mornings at pre school, forest school, swimming and dance she did gymnastics also but it clashed when she started pre school.

I don't think any class is a waste of time if the child enjoys it

Aquamarine1029 · 14/04/2017 11:26

I would prioritize swimming. It's a crucial life skill and getting them comfortable in the water at a young age is very important. I learned to swim in lessons before I could walk, and my children did the same.

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