DD is 2.8, and for the last few months has been going to a weekly outdoor football class. She's an only child so thought it'd be nice to get her out of the house, mix with other kids and get some exercise. And in general, she likes it - likes running around, kicking/throwing the ball, always excited when it's time to go to football.
The problem is, it is an absolute pain in the arse to keep her engaged for the full length of the class (45 mins!).
Inevitably at some point she will start running in the opposite direction off into the park, lying down on the floor in front of the goal, asking to go on the swings instead. With a lot of hard work and encouragement we can generally make it through to the end of the class with the promise of the end-of-class sticker but it is SUCH hard work. Is it really worth it?
I was starting to think it's just my poor parenting except it is not just her - lots of other parents struggling to keep their kids engaged (all 2-3 year olds).
Last week I took her to soft play instead and she loves it there, can happily sprint around as much as she likes with no pressure to follow instructions. And taking her swimming (just us, not a class) is a breeze - she could splash around in the water all day.
WIBU to bin off the football classes? I feel I should be teaching some sort of lesson about sticking with things and getting her used to following intructions/structured classes but she is my first, so I am hoping you will all tell me not to be ridiculous and get myself a coffee at soft play instead.
FWIW, DH also finds it a nightmare when it's his turn to take her and much prefers the soft play ball pit.