How to make mugs bring joy to your child

We try to give our children the maximum, which is why we sometimes get carried away. For example, at the same time we write them down in English, (because everyone learns without it in any way), for swimming or gymnastics (let it grow as a winner) and mental arithmetic or programming (fashionable, and the whole yard walks).

In this pursuit of valuable skills, we sometimes forget about the desires of the children themselves and miss out on what they really like.

How to choose additional activities

Let's figure out how to find options that suit your child.

Ask your child what he likes

It can be swimming, volleyball, drawing, robotics, wood crafts, and in general anything that comes to his mind. Discuss what is most attractive now and where he would like to start. With this in mind, make a list of priority areas.

If options for hobby will be too much, honestly warn that you will not be able to attend all classes. Try to explain the reason to your child, not just say no.

Think about prospects

Try to combine the healthy rationalism of an adult with the desires of a child. Evaluate the benefits of different activities: for example, sports sections teach purposefulness and perseverance. These skills will definitely come in handy in adulthood.

But you shouldn't send your child to class. sports just because you want to raise an Olympic champion. Consider what is interesting to your son or daughter.

Choose a format that is convenient for everyone

You can study internally in the old fashioned way, or online. The latter option has become especially popular during a pandemic, it saves time and energy for both the child and the parents.

A variety of circles are adapted for online - from programming to drawing and even singing. So you can visit a huge number of sections without leaving your home.

But the approach also has drawbacks. So, small children cannot be left alone during classes. And not all activities are possible at home: for example, playing a soccer ball will definitely not work.

Decide on a place

If the classes are still held offline, it is worth taking seriously the choice of the location of the section. After all, neither the parents nor the child will be able to constantly travel from one end of the city to the other.

You can choose a circle near your home, or you can clearly think over the logistics: it is better to immediately decide who will accompany the child. If you can't pick it up and pick it up yourself, consider hiring an hourly nanny, maybe even with your own car. However, this will cost significantly more.

Take into account the class schedule

It is important to adjust the sections to the child's schedule. For example, children spend a lot of mental energy while in school or kindergarten, and then study with a tutor. By the end of the day, it can be hard to think, so for the evening (but not late) it is wiser to plan a visit to sports sections - to relieve stress and splash out emotions.

Although, again, everything is individual: one child recharges better while drawing, while gymnastics is more suitable for the other.

On weekends, it is worth giving preference to those circles that the child likes the most - they will complement recreation.

Attend several test sessions and compare

For a child, trial lessons are a great way to understand what he has to do in the future, whether it is right for him, whether he likes the teachers or trainers. Just do not rush to buy a subscription after the first enthusiastic reaction, but first go to other sections from the priority list. After reviewing all the options, the child will choose what impressed him the most.

Set a trial period

If the child liked it, determine the minimum period after which you decide together whether to continue or not. For a trial period, a one-month subscription is sufficient.

This approach will allow you to better understand the sensations and not spend too much. After all, some sections are expensive, and the child may be frightened off by the adaptation period, when the result is not yet visible, but difficulties are already arising.

How to help your child adapt

The choice of activities is not over yet: then adaptation begins. It goes on in much the same way as the first months in a normal school: the child gets used to the team, compares himself with everyone. Experiences when something does not work out. And he really needs the help of his parents during this period.

Support the child

Due to initial setbacks, he may fear that parents will condemn him, but peers will not accept. Therefore, sometimes the child shuts down and stubbornly declares: "I just won't go for it." In these situations, it's important to show that even if something doesn't work out, you still love it.

Say that you understand the child and that anything happens, indicate your support and gain his trust. And only then look for the cause of failure.

Take an interest in hobby

Comment on even small victories and offer to deal with difficulties together. For example, try to learn together english words or do some exercise. This will not only motivate your son or daughter, but you will also be able to spend more time together.

And if you watch sports broadcasts with a future swimmer together, go to exhibitions with a young artist or visit concerts of classical music with a piano lover, you can show the child what he is able to achieve if he wants.

Think over a system of perseverance bonuses

Yes, giving gifts for every step is unwise. But bonuses are not only material things. And it is important to highlight positive changes so that the child sees: his progress is noticed. At the same time, it is necessary to encourage victory not over others, but over oneself. What was the result in the past - and what is now.

You can also come up with a checklist, a small list with different purposes. When a child reaches one of them, it is worth celebrating it together: for example, gluing beautiful stickers, decorating cells with bright felt-tip pens, or even having a mini-party. In this case, gamification: Completing tasks is perceived as completing a quest.

In general, when choosing an activity, it is worth considering the wishes and needs of the child. After all, you are doing it for him, not for yourself. It is also important to support a son or daughter in their endeavors.