Children’s Activities - Push the Issue When They Hate Them or Let Them Have Their Way
Over at the forum, Shari started a thread about her daughter not being thrilled with her swimming lessons. Her daughter really didn’t want to go and wasn't enjoying the lessons at all. However, Shari came up with a great way to get her interested and it seems like she’s having a great time and really enjoying herself now.
My oldest doesn’t want to take swimming lessons. I’ve decided not to push him this summer but I really do want him to have them. Both boys want a pond at home, but not until both know how to swim…Mom’s rule.
My question is this…how do you know when is the right time to stick to your guns about an activity and when do you see their side, give in and realize it’s something they just will never enjoy so why force the issue? I know the swimming lessons might not be the best example here, but what about other things, like sports, clubs or other extra curricular type activities?
My oldest doesn’t want to take swimming lessons. I’ve decided not to push him this summer but I really do want him to have them. Both boys want a pond at home, but not until both know how to swim…Mom’s rule.
My question is this…how do you know when is the right time to stick to your guns about an activity and when do you see their side, give in and realize it’s something they just will never enjoy so why force the issue? I know the swimming lessons might not be the best example here, but what about other things, like sports, clubs or other extra curricular type activities?
posted by Alice at 10:24 PM
NEW! 
2 Comments:
I think once something is started it should be finished - sports typically doesn't last all year so it won't be that long even if the child claims they don't like it!
For us it's kind of based on what we want. If there's an activity we want them to try (i.e. for DH he wanted our oldest to do martial arts, for me, I wanted them to play softball) - we tell them that we're putting them in it...they have to try it for one season, one set of session etc and if they don't like it and never want to go back that's their choice. BUT they have to at least try it and stick with it for that season/session.
Most times though, they wanted to at least give it a try. We've never (yet) made them do something they absolutely said they didn't want to do...of course...that day may come later because we told all of them they have to run track one season.
The reason I sort of am for parents pushing a little is because I DID NOT want to play softball or run track, but my dad made me. Same deal as what we tell our kids...try it once. If you don't like it you never have to go back. I played softball for years and am still involved today and I ran track my sophomore year and went back for my last two years in high school. Neither of which I would have done had my dad given me a choice.
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