Reply to Are these too many activities for a 4yo?

Forum Index » General Parenting Discussion

Reply to "Are these too many activities for a 4yo?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Would be way too much driving time for our family.[/quote]

Two of these activities are walkable and the other two are a 3 min drive, so that’s not an issue.[/quote]

When I was a SAHM I SO looked forward to activities for my only at the time. Gave us a schedule and something to do. You have downtime/family time on weekends. Sounds like you both would enjoy it. [/quote]

I also agree this can be a manageable schedule for both parent and child if

1) there isn’t a huge logistic commitment

2) the parent has the time and flexibility to shuttle the child around and not resent being an Uber driver (I used to drive my 2 all around for different activities.  I never thought the drive time was a burden.  We loved the alone time in the car.  Sometimes when the siblings are both in the car, I just loved being the fly on the windshield. Both are now teens w one going to college.  They are both great at managing their time.)

3) the kid loves each of the activity.  If she doesn’t, then it becomes a chore for both of you very quickly

4) this amounts to one activity per day that she goes to morning care.  If the activities are after the nap, it actually works out great.  They basically amounts to play dates.  (Mine did art, instrument, ice skating during the weekday and horse back riding on Saturday mornings from 4 until 5th grade).  They refused to give up any until middle school workload caught up and a few favorites emerged.  So they ended up with instrument and a competitive sport they both love.

OP, I strongly support giving this a try at this age.  Time is on your side to play around with scheduling and the load that is suitable for your family situation.  But do make sure you keep each experience positive and fun.  Even if your child shows potential in any of those, don’t give into any hype (from teachers or coaches, well meaning parents).  Just keep it light and build interest.  You don’t want the child to peak at 10.  The best advice I have ever gotten from a youth coach when my DD started her competitive sport was to “keep her in it by making it fun.  She has great potential but if you kill it, she won’t achieve that potential”.

Good luck and this is a great time for you and your kid.  I miss those times dearly. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics