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? Children were very enthusiastic when the programs first started off but in just a few short weeks, they lament and groan when it's time to go.

When a child begins resisting a previously loved activity , parents must listen and investigate and not jump into conclusions. Some intelligent sleuthing is required. Talk to your child what he or she does in the class. Discover what exactly the cause of the problem is. Then ask the teachers the same questions. Compare notes. You may stumble on some important clues. Normally, children begin an activity believing its all fun. But when they understand that they need to follow rules etc, they start to resist. Your child may feel suppressed if the program is too structured. If the discipline is too stringent 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 there enough motivation to hold the child interested?

The teacher-to-child ratio is also an important factor. Children need attention. When number of teachers is just enough to handle a class, your child may not be receiving enough attention. State recommendations normally specify that there must be 1 teacher for 15 children.

Children try to avoid problems they cannot solve. When there is no perceivable problem with the class and the teachers, maybe you need to have a chat with your child. If your own assessment indicate that the place is good and the activity engaging enough, then it's time to work with your child. Sometimes, social pressures might be at work here. Find out if your child has friends there. If she is lonely or miserable due to lack of friends, help her find a friend. If she has a friend, she will be more involved in the activities.

Should your best efforts fail to pay off, and your child continues to resists the guitar classes, then it's time to let go. Move your child to other program. If he or she still retains interest in guitars, you can take it up after a few months. Never pressure the child, particularly when it comes to extra-curricular activities. Since they are 'extra', than it should bring in extra happiness and extra enthusiasm too.

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