Clubs, sports, activities, classes... how do you choose?

[knowler]

So ds1 is nearly 4 and I've always been v vocal about not being an uber-pushy or competitive parent. Consequently, I've never given much thought to what 'extra' activities ds might do, like sports clubs, gymnastics etc.

He goes to swimming lessons (public pool, big group of them) and we also go to a French club (just singing, nothing hardcore!) but I recently had a wobble that in being a bit 'hands off' I'm maybe letting him down by not encouraging him to have other interests.

What do you think about this and how do you choose which clubs/classes to go to? There is so much choice I can't see wood for the trees.

My DD started dancing at 2.5 because she asked to - repeatedly.
My DS started piano just after starting school because he asked to.
Before they started school we did normal toddler groups and pre-school sessions. We went to a more focussed music group, but that was very relaxed - we sang nursery rhymes etc.
Once they started school I was lead by what they wanted to do.

Mine started with ballet/dance because I figured it would give them basic co-ordination and they'd learn how to follow a class. It's useful whatever sport they eventually choose.

Swimming because they have to. It's not an activity it's a life saving skill.

After that I was guided by them. Gymnastics because it's easily accessible and they were bouncing off the furniture.

After that they were old enough to say what they wanted.

I pick by what is close enough for us to walk to (non-driver). It makes things very simple, and they really enjoy the activities!

I chose something they could keep doing in the long term (gymnastics) and swimming which is something they just has to be done really.

Then I've let them do things that they wanted to do. Between them they have done
Ballet
Athletics
Basketball
Guitar
Recorder
Netball

DD is only a toddler but so far I try to choose a balance of things she really enjoys (music) and things I think she could do with a bit of extra practice at (her physical coordination's not great so we do "football" classes for toddlers). She also does swimming which covers both bases as she loves it and it's good for her.

On the other hand I haven't bothered with, eg, art and craft classes because it's easy to do at home and she doesn't seem that interested in it anyway.

At some point I'm sure she'll start having her own views on what she wants to do

Swimming definitely, take them yourself every week. Lessons too as and when you think they need it.

For the rest, he's only 4, so no rush yet. I've tried to let them do what they want, but they have to really want to do it. So once they've pestered for a few months to do an activity I'll arrange for them to go and watch, then if still interested, do a taster before signing up.

You get a bit bombarded with ideas as they go through school and they see stuff on telly etc. it's easy to take on too much.

I'm quite easy about them dropping stuff and having a go at something else too, as long as they finish any paid for lessons before moving on to something new.

The only thing mine started before school was swimming, for the very reasons Micah says. Lessons with a qualified teacher take the stress out of trying to teach them yourself. Plus they learn proper strokes - I have recently realised that my breaststroke legs are rubbish!

Since then it has been a combination of what they've asked for and what after school clubs are available.

DS1 (Y3) does school choir, drama, horse-riding (OK this is Saturday morning but it's a long standing passion of mine), is about to start violin, and is now asking about ballet (also available after school).

DS2 (YR) just does swimming but is keen to try horse-riding once he's 5.

Thanks everyone, some useful ideas. There is a gymnastics class nr us and I think I'll ask ds if he wants to have a go. Thanks again!

I find it easier to just take them for a trial! At 4 it's difficult for them to know what gymnastics is, let alone whether they want to do it..

I usually take them to a trial session "come on lets go try x activity, it'll be fun". Then ask after if they liked it and want to come back.

Mine do footy, gymnastics, martial arts and swimming. Swimming is non negotiable. Gym is great for them and they love it. Footy etc was because I was hounded into submission. They would do tennis and other stuff too if I let them / had time to take then. And any other sport going. DD tried ballet once and hated it.

DS is nearly 2. We've always done at least 1 class a week starting with baby massage, then baby sensory, then rhythm time, etc. I think when he was younger it was more for me than for him. Now that he's older and expresses a preference for what he wants to do we just go with what he likes.
At the moment I take him to a dance class in the week and football at the weekend, both of which he loves.
I try to take him swimming every week too. He's not very keen but I'm hoping he'll like it more as he gets older if I keep taking him.
Why don't you suggest some classes to your DS and ask him which one he'd like. A lot of classes have free trials - let him try some stuff out.