Extra-curricular activities in Prep

[anney]

We stopped everything the prep year and yes she was tired.

[feeb]

I hadn't even thought of that!! DS1 I planned on keeping in Tennis and Gymnastics as he loves them and I want to start swimming lessons again for him as not done since just before 3.

He is used to a very busy week with CC and kinder 5 days a week as well as Tennis and gymnastics.

[OceanPrincess]

Nickle, no, no disadvantage to starting later!

But I think I might try it and see.

And Kim, trannies, really???

[Miss.September]

How tired was she term 1 this year with the longer kinder hours? Could be a good indicator. If she coped without seeming too tired, then I'd probably give it a shot. But if she was tired, then I'd be inclined to hold off, even until half way through the year.

Funny, DH and I were having the same conversation earlier today. Mini Maestros ends this year but she would still have swimming and piano. I'm anticipating that we'd have to stop them, especially as we're expecting to travel some distance to and from school.

[AnyDream]

Both of my DDs were quite tired during their first year of school, however it might also depend on how much other unstructured "down time" they have. Both of my girls have had to go to after school care, which I think adds to the total load of "stimulation" that they get during the week while also reducing the amount of quiet pottering they can do, and also means that the evening home routine starts later. We didn't start DD1 on any new activities until grade 2. DD2 (currently in prep) does Little Aths, but we'll hold off on other new activities for a while

[Arcadia]

I'm interested in the responses because my kids don't do any extracurricular activities because I wouldn't be able to cope with being busier. How do you all cope as mums, with housework and work and normal kinder duties and then other activities?

I'm starting dd in ballet when she is six, but haven't planned for anything extra next year.

[AnyDream]

How do you all cope as mums, with housework and work and normal kinder duties and then other activities?

Like all things, if the activity has genuine worth/rewards, you fit it in by scaling back other things. Plus, if you work & you have a partner who works, you will both have to pitch in. My DH takes my DD to sporting things, I take care of the parties & the girl guides. Same thing goes for enrolling your kids in an activity your friends' kids do - you can share pickups & drop offs. But my number one top recommendation if you work is this: get a cleaner. They can whip through more in 2 or 3 hours than you will, and it frees your time up for other things.

[~Kim~]

And Kim, trannies, really???

Yep. Our first year of school is called Transition.

[Tinks]

Go for it. If it's something you've promised she can start when she's a certain age, you can't really hold her back. I don't think choir on a Saturday morning would tire her out too much.

[Nai]

My DD1 is a Feb baby and she did swimming and gymnastics when starting prep. She was totally fine but she is a pretty active and sleeps really really well at night. DD2 is stating next year too and she will also continue swimming and she wants to start gymnastics so I will see how she goes as she may drop dance. I think enroll her and see how she goes.

[sangie]

DD has been quite tired this year, I really notice it the last 2-3 weeks of each term. She really needs the 2 week school holidays!
We didn't start anything new but kept up her swimming one night after school and ballet on a Saturday morning. I think the Saturday morning works quite well as her class isn't until 10.30am so we don't have to get up too early and rush around.

I think enrol her, particularly as you promised her and just see how she goes!!