Going into secondary school

[Mumpoppins]

Hello,

I hope everybody is well.

I would like to know about parents opinion on an idea that I have.

My twins are social butterflies and are due to go to secondary school in September this year. Many parents have questioned how the twins are very socially confident and made me think of setting up a 'Social club' for children below the age of 11 years old.

I have a Childcare degree and have been a manager before. Would parents and children benefit from a children 'Social Club' in their town?
The goal is to support children's socially/ confidence using their interest so they are confident to start their secondary school and make friends.

Please let me know all your thoughts. Thank you!

Apologies OP but personally it wouldn’t have appealed. DD1 is naturally socially confident & DD2( now 12) had multiple activities (singing, scouts, ballet, musical theatre) in Year 6 and I don’t think she would have been keen on the premise of this at all. I know Youth Clubs did use to be popular and did quite a bit of good in deprived areas so I’m not writing your idea off. I’m not entirely sure you can teach social confidence either - some kids have it naturally like your two and my eldest, others develop it through age and experience!

(when we don't have Covid) there are already lots of clubs for children this age, including general youth clubs (which sounds like what you are thinking of). Plus they are getting to the age that they don't necessarily want organised activity but to go off and do their own thing. If you live in an area that has a particular dirth of activities, then perhaps it would appeal.

Sounds like a youth club. Kids are either interested in meeting other kids in which case they will find ways to do this or they are not. I dont think an anxious parent sending their kid to learn how to be a social butterfly will help anyone.

We had a similar club for a while, but it didn't really take off for very long. That's perhaps partly because kids round here tend to do a lot of activity clubs. We also have cubs and brownies which cater for those who want something less activity-specific. Those who go to after-school club get their social activity there.

If there's a shortage of places in things like cubs and brownies, maybe there would be an interest.

Were you thinking of this as a business venture or a voluntary activity? If the former, you're limited to those who can afford commercial rates, who are probably the ones who are already doing plenty. I think clubs only tend to get away with commercial rates if they're offering some specialist expertise or equipment.

I answered on your 2 other threads.

NO wouldn't have appealed - surely kids go to sports clubs/scouts/dancing/music - not sure there is time for another club designed to make them more sociable?