After / out of school activities

angeldaisy

Just wondering what others do about this?

At the moment my 7 year old son does athletics on a Monday night, speech and drama (through school) on a Thursday afternoon and swimming on a Saturday morning.

For the last couple of weeks though he has said that he doesn't want to do any of these anymore.
Not sure if its the dark / cold nights or if he's bored etc...

Do I let him give them up - or do I persist?
He can't play contact sports, so no GAA etc.

I feel like he should be doing something outside of school though.

seamus

Probably best to find out why he doesn't to go anymore.

Often instead of coming out and saying what the problem is, kids decide that it's easier to quit. My wife teaches some after school activities, and sometimes kids will say that they don't want to go any more, but then when they dig down they find out that the child is just nervous about an upcoming exam, or isn't getting on with one specific classmate, or in one case the child didn't enjoy getting a lift with one of the other mothers (who was apparently very loud).

Has anything changed? Does he have a new friend at home, or a new games console or something?

angeldaisy

Thanks for the advice, he has said that he doesn't like having to talk about his life in speech and drama? so maybe that's why he wants to quit. I might look into alternative places.
Have no idea about the others though - although I can't blame him not wanting to go out in the dark, cold wet weather:D

RubyGirl

Def keep him active with either the pool or athletics. Just talk to the drama teacher and tell her he's a bit shy and let him put his hand up when he wants to join in.

My 4yo goes swimming and after class 2 she came out of the pool crying she did'nt want to learn any more. Told her we'd talk about it later and discovered she does'nt like putting her face in the water. So I told her teacher and it's fine, she put's her chin in now and blows bubbles so she's getting there. Bit by bit.

He'll have a break now for christmas so he might talk about it then.

angeldaisy

RubyGirl wrote: »

Def keep him active with either the pool or athletics. Just talk to the drama teacher and tell her he's a bit shy and let him put his hand up when he wants to join in.

My 4yo goes swimming and after class 2 she came out of the pool crying she did'nt want to learn any more. Told her we'd talk about it later and discovered she does'nt like putting her face in the water. So I told her teacher and it's fine, she put's her chin in now and blows bubbles so she's getting there. Bit by bit.

He'll have a break now for christmas so he might talk about it then.

I had a little chuckle at me trying to tell his drama teacher he's shy:D He's anything but, I think he just doesn't want anyone knowing his business!
He's one of the narrators in the class play this Christmas, so I know he enjoys drama. I just wish I could find out if its the way she's teaching it that he doesn't like...
As you say he only has a few weeks to go before they finish up, so hopefully will improve by then.
He's starting choir practice this week and will usually take part in the church play as well. I think he just finds it difficult to socialise sometimes

Mr.Wemmick

This is a very long term for kids, and with 2 weeks to go, he just might be weary.

If you think he has social issues: finds it difficult, then it is best to keep him in there so he learns to adapt, deal with things, but continue to talk to him, check he is okay, listen to what he has to say, offer solutions, and talk to his club teachers about how he is doing, his strengths and weaknesses. It's good to give your boy feed back too about how his teachers think he is doing and the progress he has made.

I would't allow him to give up, but would continue to dig and find out where the problems are, and why exactly he is feeling the way he is.
It could be, he is just tired.