How much is too much? (school activities)

lauren_1

My dd is 6 (yr2) going on 13 but very bouncy (think, borderline barbie doll on speed 24/7)

She's a bit hyper sometimes, always needs to be doing something, she is very very bright (far too bright and crafty if you ask her dad) but i think she is doing too much now.

She already goes to rainbows and ballet once a week (tbh i though she would give up after a few weeks but has kept at it nearly 8 months now) She also goes to sports club after school once a week too (has done since reception class) and today her teacher has informed me that she signed herself up to the gymnastic after school club, a guitar club (lunchtimes), recorder club (lunchtimes) and french club (afterschool). In fact all the ones that yr 2 are allowed to join, she has!

She asked her teacher how much they were as she only gets £3 pocket money, teacher replied free, she said 'where do i sign!' :rotfl:

Her teacher is happy for her to be doing these and thinks she will be good at gym, but i just think its too much for a 6 year old especially with her other things.

Any thoughs? They chop and change activities for each year group, so its not like she can carry on doing the same thing for next year but i dont want her getting herself too tired to do her homework or reading.

Krystaltips

I think if she is happy to sign up for them then just see how it goes, if she is creative and energetic she may find them really easy... If she shows signs of struggling you could get her to drop one or two things... Never stifle enthusiasm!

elainew

Yep i agree--let her try them and see how she gets on.
Sounds a fab school having all those clubs

mrcow

I'd say let her do them.

She won't know what she likes until she tries it. Maybe give it until the half term and see how she's getting on.......she may well flourish with them all if she's bright and enthusiastic.

saubryn

I think that as long as it's voluntary, and she really WANTS to do it, then let her.

If she were going to breakfast club, lunch club, afterschool club, then brownies all in one day that may be a bit too much, but as long as she has time at home to do whatever homework she gets, and some time to play and relax, and is getting enough sleep, I think extra activity is good - it will keep her out of trouble

Bitsy_Beans

I do believe kids should be allowed to be kids and just play. However that normally applies to pushy mums who insist on their little darlings doing various afterschool activities. If your daughter has chosen these of her own free will then and more importantly you don't have to pay I'd let her try it. If you feel it's interfering with school work, rest etc then I guess you'd need to re-asses what she's doing. Nice to see one so young so keen!!

lauren_1

saubryn wrote: »

I think that as long as it's voluntary, and she really WANTS to do it, then let her.

If she were going to breakfast club, lunch club, afterschool club, then brownies all in one day that may be a bit too much, but as long as she has time at home to do whatever homework she gets, and some time to play and relax, and is getting enough sleep, I think extra activity is good - it will keep her out of trouble

This is another thing, she goes afterschool club 3 nights a week too (2x to 6 and once until 4.30) and 1 breakfast club a week, one of which is before her rainbows and the sports and french are on days she does not have afterschool club, which means she will be staying late at school everyday.

pingua

I would not worry too much - if she is happy doing it let her do it.
I know some kids who finish school at 5.30 - so really its the same type of thing. They have games/sports/p.e at the end of everyday - so its the same thing really ??

Spendless

what time are the after school activities till?
My dd is 5 (yr1) and has just been allowed to join the after school activities for 1st time, we put down her 1st and 2nd choice and got in both:rolleyes: . I have reservations as in addition she goes to asc 1 day a week, whilst I'm at college. My intention is to give it till Oct half term and then review it.

What about putting all your daughter's activities on a timetable to show her, how much she's doing- she may not have realised it means something every day etc and deciding to review it after so long.

ailuro2

I think the timetable is a great idea, Spendless.

Lauren - it sounds like your DD needs to have plenty of things to keep her occupied - she chose them, so let her do them and see how it goes.

The lunchtime activities fill in what can be a long lunch break when it's raining outside, so I'd be pleased about them. Do any of the other activities keep her up past her usual bedtime? If not, then I'd not be worried either.

What I would tell her is that she needs to practise each thing in her own time, and if she counts up an hour or two practice every week for each thing that needs it, ,does she have enough time left to play, do homework, spend time with the rest of the family?

My DD has to be up at 0615 some days as we have one car and take DH to work, she gets dropped off at childminder at 0730 then picked up at 1630. It's a long day for her, but she is accustomed to it, and is still able for her activities in the evenings.When she had 3 evening activities and wanted to start something else, we made it a condition that it had to be on a Saturday or Sunday!

Surfbabe

Good for her - she wants to do the activities you haven;t said she must do them - there is a world of difference. We let our children try as many activities as they wanted to until they settled on ones that they really wanted to do. DD decided she hated dancing but loved rock climibing !!!!

As long as she is still getting enough sleep and is happy encourage her!!!