After School Activities

My older son (OS) turned 5 at the beginning of this month.  However, here the cutoff is September 1 meaning he is in pre-kindergarten this year instead of kindergarten.  Before you start to tell me that it's really such a shame or perhaps I should consider private kindergarten, let me say that we think it's great.  I was thrilled not to have to make the decision as to whether to hold him back.  Honestly I do think it's for the best.  After all, everyone in my family including myself just missed the cutoff too. 

This means though that OS is old enough to do some after school activities that are normally reserved for kindergartners.  One of them is Tae Kwon Do.  The studio that we selected requires kids to be 5.   When we went for the first class, I wasn't sure what to expect much less what to tell OS.   I ended up very pleased.  First of all, unlike some of the other activities OS has done like swim lessons, (and this is being said as a former swim instructor), the kids are moving the entire time.  In swimming, the kids have their turn and then wait at the wall.  In OS's class, they ran around the room darting through cones.  When they reached the instructor they did their kick.  After doing that for a while, they would move onto another activity where the kids would move around even more.  OS was sweaty by the end.  I was also pleased that we don't have to commit to a particular day.  We pay per week and then can just show up at any of the times his level is offered.  I've been told constant activitity and flexible scheduling are common with martial arts.

Both OS and I have been happy with his experience with Tae Kwon Do so far.  Of course that did lead me to a new parenting dilemna:  how do my husband and I manage to make dinner when his level meets right around dinner time?  I guess it's time to pull the crock pot back out so we don't have to do what I did last week:  order a pizza from the studio to pick up on the way home!  I overheard another mom doing it.   

Speaking of time management and organizing activities, I am looking for bloggers to do reviews for a company called Jooners on my personal blog Formula Fed and Flexible Parenting.  I have opportunties for both bloggers and readers to win prizes. 

Comments

[gina]

We have trukey "crumbles" on activity nights. I just brown ground turkey in a pan (seasoned with "Montreal" seasoning. And the rest is whatever we have- carrrot sticks and apple sauce often get pulled out, yogurt...if we have any other vegiies fresh or fruit we cut those up. If the kids want they are allowed to sprinkle a little low-fat shredded cheddar chees on their meat. Voila a healthy, QUICK and EASY "Meal".

[Alex Elliot]

That sounds pretty good! I'll have to try it.

[Lettuce Johnson]

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[starrlife]

I think it works great for lots of kids not to rush into Kindergarten! They expect a lot now and why push kids any faster than they need to I say.
PS- tried emailing but unsuccessful! I came across your blog via Unringing the Bell,Tricia's blog. I live in Brattleboro, Vt and have started blogging. What do you need in order to blog for you, is it a huge commitment and very specific or are you all pretty laid back? I would love for you to come by my site which is at Life Decanted. I use the name Starrlife. I'll be working my way through your blog posts to familiarize and get involved. It's great to find some local bloggers! Thanks.

[Auds at Barking Mad]

Are you guys still keeping this going? I really miss hearing from some of my favourite bloggers (YOU GUYS!) on a regular basis. I'd still love to contribute if you are looking. Looks like you've got someone from VT that would like to jump on the bandwagon too.

I know it's a busy time of year...hope all of the New England Mama's have a very Merry Holiday Season!

Auds in Maine

[Last Place Finisher]

Kudos to you for watching the class. So many parents drop the kids off and then disappear. They neglect to think of how these after school activities can impact their children in so many ways.

I'm not sure if you found Tae Kwon Do, or whether you found a great teacher. The quality of these activities greatly depends upon the energy and character of those in charge.

As a soccer coach who's worked with kids of all ages, I've seen every coaching atrocity that one might imagine. Don't assume. Watch your kids at these activities.

Also, if you get the opportunity, join in the fun. I run a free goalkeeper's clinic in the off season. My one requirement is that a parent MUST participate. I've found that it's brought families just a little closer together.

Don't know why I've been standing on my soapbox. Just read your post and something hit me.

Thanks.

[Momisodes]

I'm a New England parent as well, and my daughter will be turning 5 THE DAY BEFORE the cut-off date. It puts a bit of pressure on her to be prepared for Kindergarten since she'll always be the youngest.

I love that OS is taking part in Tae Kwon Do. It sounds like you've found a great place. I'd definitely whip out the crock pot....or leftovers :)

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