How to pick an activity for your toddler?

1 votes

I would like expose my son, now 3 1/2 years old, to some kind of sport or hobby.  But how to decide?  Soccer?  Swimming?  Music?  Gymnastics?  There are so many choices, but I don't want to overload him by enrolling him in everything.  He already goes to preschool 5 days a week, full time.  Is that too much?  I'm thinking of now introducing another class/sport on Saturdays. 

He has done gymnastics before and i know he enjoys it.  Do I just keep him in that?  Or try something different? 

Also, any specific classes or sport programs that are highly recommended?  Thus far, we've pretty much stuck with whatever has been offered by our local city activity guide.

 

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I think this is a great question; I share it :)

- andrea, Feb 5, 2010
aknitter

Menlo Park, CA

Jan 31, 2010

2 Answers

  • 1 votes

    Our kids did a variety of activities when they were younger. Funny, now that they are 8 and 9 they actually do "fewer" things.

    I would like to say that I picked a variety of activities for their social, physical, creative, cognitive activities because they were the best match for my children. The reality is, I picked and participated in things that our "friends" were doing. The kids AND the Mom's had more fun because they were with their friends! In the end, we did swimming, tumble time, wiggles and giggles, dance, kindermusik, soccer, gymnastics, T-ball, art class etc....

    We all had fun and we did not over think any of it!

    My kids were exposed to many things that they would no longer "chose" to do. I feel good as a parent for giving them the opportunity to try things out and discover who they are. Now that they are 8 and 9 they have distinct preferences. We still try different things- Lacrosse, Little League, Piano Lessons, Martial Arts, Pottery, Brownies....sometimes they find something they LOVE, sometimes we do not sign up for the next session.

    I am amazed by how many parents take the extracurricular activities even for preschoolers so seriously. I have heard parents actually talk about scholarships for college if their child "sticks with it". (when they are only 5!- The pressure to perform is amazing)

    Have fun- keep it interesting, try new things, don't over think it or feel over committed!

    Good points, Care. I am especially wary of overprogramming children. At the same time, exposure to a variety of activities is excellent, and I think that this is very beneficial. Careful planning with time, energy levels, and interests are important for both the parents AND the child. Who wants the class to be taken --- and for what reasons? How does it affect other children in the family, and/ or  the family schedule ?  Too much or too many activities will eventually cause burn out unless a natural talent or interest is present.  Enrichment is wonderful. " Slavery" to an activity is damaging.

    - Suzanne, Apr 12, 2010
    Care

    Where did the time go?
    New Hampshire

    Apr 11, 2010

  • 0 votes

    Our 3.5 year old is in gymnastics, but I pull him out of preschool to go so his days aren't so long.  He also does a German class on Saturdays.  Our older son did a dance class, but someone went to his preschool to do it.  They've both done a music class in the past.  Maybe you could talk to your preschool about having people come in during the day to offer classes or taking the kids to a class somewhere?  Or get several of his preschool friends to sign up for the same Saturday class?  Or even just get some preschool friends together on Saturdays to kick around a soccer ball.

    As soon as it gets warmer, our 3.5 year old is going to take swimming (and nothing else) becaue I think it is a safety issue.

    Your approach sounds balanced, and fun! I totally agree about learning to swim.... its fun, useful, and healthy exercise !

    - Suzanne, Apr 12, 2010

    Anonymous

    Feb 2, 2010



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