Choosing the Right Activity for your Child

By Angela Chastain

Your child comes home from school with forms to sign up for basketball, soccer, the school band and the chess club. You look at your already full calendar and realize not only will it be impossible time wise but you haven’t even factored in the financial aspect. Add to that knowing this is not your only child and you quickly realize choosing an activity for your children can be an overwhelming task.

Soccer, dance, lacrosse, gymnastics, voice lessons, painting class, Scouts – the list of activities for children goes on and on. How do you choose which sport or activity is right for your child? Here are a few things to consider when choosing an activity.

First of all, don’t just think of an activity as a sport. Although a sport is a great way to promote physical fitness, not all children are athletes or even athletic. Be willing to allow a child to explore the arts or move out of the mainstream with their activity selection.

Play to your child’s strengths and interests. If your child is overly dramatic, consider drama club. If your child is a fast runner, think about track. If your child is a fabulous artist, consider art classes.

 Talk with your child about their interests. Ask them what sport or activity they would like to participate in. Many establishments will offer a free trial class or a discounted rate for the first month so children can see if the activity is everything they thought it would be and it holds their interest. Parents need to ask themselves if the activity works out with the dynamics of family life.

Ask yourself if your child would be better suited on a team or going solo with an individual sport. Some activities like baton twirling or playing a musical instrument can offer both, or begin as one and transition into the other. But don’t be afraid to let your child “go it alone.” Don’t feel that they always need a friend to participate. Encourage your child to try new things.

Remember, more than anything else, being a supportive and positively encouraging parent will do more to help your child be happy with their chosen sport than any amount of winning or awards could ever provide.

Once you’ve selected an activity, ask yourself these questions about the facility or program you are considering.

Administration

• Is the activity organized well?

• Are there guidelines set forth for everyone to follow?

• What are the program philosophies?

• Does the coach/staff have realistic expectations of children this age?

• Are the parent requirements suitable to me?

• Is the time and financial commitment manageable within our family?

Safety

• Is the facility clean and well-maintained?

• Is the proper safety equipment used?

• Are the coaches/staff trained in first aid?

• Do the coaches/staff have adequate help to manage the number of children they’ve been assigned?

Child’s Interest and Readiness

• Is my child’s skill level within the normal range of the activity and others who are signed up?

• Do the time frame and class expectations realistically match my child’s activity level and attention span?

Money

• If funds are tight, see if you qualify for a scholarship.

• Ask specifically about hidden costs – uniforms, equipment, art supplies, tournament registrations, advancement fees, etc.

• Buy used equipment. Your child doesn’t need a new instrument or cleats – used ones in good condition are fine.

• Ask for a discount if you enroll more than one child.

• Ask for a discount if you refer another family.

• Ask about working – lining fields, washing uniforms, assisting the activity director with office work – to help cover costs.

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Activities for Children A-Z

If you are interested in any of the above sports, visit the Web site for additional information or for classes or teams in your area.

Angela Chastain has a B.S. and M.S. in education and is the mother of three sons. She lives with her children and husband, David, in New Milford, Conn.