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Boring after school
activities
Why does Lisa grumble when it is time for her to go for her piano
lessons?
How come Johnny abhors the sight of his skates now? After all, these
children were very enthusiastic about the programs when they started
off. What happened? Parents are often confused by the disturbing and
often incongruous signals they receive from their children. One day
the kids are excited about the new theatre class and in just a few
short weeks they wail and moan when it's time to go.
The first thing a family should do when a child begins resisting a
previously loved activity is to listen and investigate. Do not jump
into
conclusions. A little bit of intelligent sleuthing is required. Ask
your
child what he or she does in the class. Find out what exactly is the
cause of the problem. Then ask the teachers the same questions.
Compare notes. You may stumble on some important clues. Usually,
children start out on an activity thinking it's all fun. But when
they realize that they cannot just hang out and that they need to
follow rules etc, they begin to resist. Your child may feel stifled
if the program is too structured. If the discipline is too rigorous
or the activity too painful (like a karate class) some children
balk. Use your own instincts. Does the program feel like fun? Would
you want to attend it yourself? Are they offering enough motivation
to keep the child interested?
The teacher-to-child ratio is also an important factor. Children
need
attention. If the number of teachers is just enough to handle a
class, it
is possible that your child is not receiving enough attention. State
recommendations usually specify that there must be 1 teacher for 15
children.
Children try to avoid problems they cannot solve. If there are no
perceivable problems with the class and the teachers, perhaps you
need to have a chat with your child. If your judgment says that the
place is good and the activity engaging enough, then it's time to
work with your child. More often than not, social pressures may be
at work here. Does your child have friends there? If she is lonely
or miserable because of the lack of friends, help her find a friend.
If she finds a friend, she will get more involved in the activities
If your best efforts do not pay off, and your child still resists
that
fantastic guitar classes, then it's time to let go. Shift your child
to some other program. If he or she still retains interest in
guitars, you can take it up after a few months. Never force the
child, especially when it comes to extra-curricular activities.
Since they are 'extra', they must bring in extra happiness and extra
enthusiasm too.
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