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[quote=Anonymous]Instead of signing up for classes, maybe you could do some low-level activities together, and then sign them up for the things they’re interested in. I agree that swimming is a must, for safety reasons. If necessary, start real slow, maybe a small, inflatable “pool” in the backyard to splash in (just don’t leave the 3 year old unattended), then work your way up to a public wading  pool, before you even broach the subject of lessons.

For biking, the best way I’ve heard to learn is to take the pedals off the bike and get them used to balancing and coasting with their feet on the ground.

You might try taking them on hikes at Great Falls and letting them scramble around on the rocks, but stay off the Billy Goat Trail. I recommend everyone check with the rangers before they try it to make sure they’re comfortable with the challenge level (I did it once and swore never again - admittedly I’m a wimp.). Since your kids are scared to begin with, that is not where you want to start easing them into things.

Just do things for fun before even thinking about classes. Look at YouTube videos and try dancing/martial arts in the living room. Get a ball/frisbee/kite and play in the back yard or park. Get some play skates (and helmets), and skate around the neighborhood. (Pads may help them feel better). Gymnastics centers may have open gyms where kids can bounce on a trampoline, jump in a foam pit, balance on a beam on the floor, etc., in an unstructured, fun atmosphere for an hour or two versus a formal lesson. Maybe try bowling with bumpers or take them to a bounce place. Just get them used to having fun doing new things.

Don’t worry about teaching them an instrument if they’re not interested. When they’re older (4th grade in MCPS), the school will offer opportunities and they can pick an instrument then. In the meantime, play different types of music and dance around the house, sing together, take them places to hear music (libraries, festivals, etc.). Give them ways to make music (toy drums, harmonicas, kazoos, xylophones, keyboards, etc.) as long as the music is coming from them and not pre-programmed music that plays automatically. If you want to take lessons for your own edification, I think it would be great if they saw you enjoying the experience of music and sharing it with them, but if you’re enduring it just to ser them an example, I think it will be counterproductive.

Look at events at libraries, museums, nature centers, rec centers, craft stores, hardware stores, sports places, etc.  Check the bulletin boards at the library. You might go through the catalog of classes offered by your local recreation department and see if there’s any that appeal to them (or you), but just do things that sound like fun.

I don’t think you have to excel in things to motivate your kids. In fact, showing them that you can enjoy doing thimgs you don’t excel at might be more motivating. Just keep it fun and encourage whatever interests they develop. [/quote]

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