At what age did your child start a class

[boymum36]

I have 2 ds aged 18 months and just turned 4. My eldest is severely speech delayed and has been behind in all areas of development. We tried swimming lessons a while back but he had a meltdown as we couldn't get in the pool with him and we tried kick boxing which he didn't want to do either. I see other parents with kids the same ages who go to different classes and I can't help but feel like my boys are missing out. Should I try something else or wait longer? How important are classes at this age?

They're still very young so really don't feel like you're holding them back. My ds is quite quiet and refused to do football etc. To everyone's surprise he joined beavers a few years ago and is now in Cubs and really loves it. He would have hated to do anything when he was 4 or even 6.

Well it's not the hill to die on but it's obviously lovely if you can find something your DCs enjoy.

Mine started swimming lessons as babies. DC1 carried on with tbem until it was time to go to university.

Maybe give swimming another try in a few months since it is fun and an important life skill.

My DD is 5 and hasn't done any classes. She was terrified of the swimming pool up until earlier this year so we just swim as a family for fun. I'm planning on putting her in lessons after half term once she's settled into year 1. Depending on how that goes with tiredness levels we'll look at another class in the new year. Some kids love classes, others don't! Don't pressure him or yourself to do things just because others are!

DD was going to baby/toddler music and gymnastics classes at around 18 months.

He's still very young.

My DS is NT but was quite shy. He started a karate class at 6 and swimming lessons at 7. He hated baby swim sessions so we left that until he wanted to do it.

Before that we did a few play dates, some visits to softplay and the local farm park with friends. Nothing more.

DCs develop at different speeds. I waited until DS asked if he could go to each.