Extra-curricular activities: which one is best for my child?

My child has trouble concentrating: which activity to choose?

Pottery or drawing. They will allow him to creatively express part of his inner universe by focusing it on a concrete production. It is ideal for children who are not too keen on movement, as this activity is practiced calmly. It is also a good way to exercise his concentration and help him to fix his attention, because manual work requires a certain precision to achieve the desired result.

Football. This team sport can help him get out of his lunar side and bring him back to the present. Because in the group, he will be in the action and quickly understand that the others need him to help the team win. So no question of daydreaming! Especially if he’s a goalkeeper …

>> We avoid: acrobatics, gymnastics.These are activities that require great concentration to avoid hurting yourself, or even hurting others. We wait a bit, so … 

My child is a little clumsy: which activity to choose?

Swimming.In the water, he will find harmony with his body. He will feel comfortable there with the sensation of better coordinating his movements.

Musical awakening.They will simply be asked to sing along and listen to music. So, no risk of breaking anything!

The circus school.Whatever their skills, everyone has their chance, because the choice is vast. The child will become aware of his body and its physical possibilities, of balance and spatio-temporal landmarks. Perhaps he will even turn his clumsiness into an asset, in a clown act for example!

>> We avoid: judo.This discipline, like fencing, requires precision of movement. So, if his gestures are not yet sure enough, he may feel uncomfortable there. To keep for later … 

The expert’s opinion

“Doing an activity allows you to have new circles of friends, to confront other characters. In a sibling, we offer different activities. They need an individual occupation so that they do not find themselves in competition. The child needs to try different things. We therefore do not hesitate to make him try several activities. To remain fun, this activity must be done without any obligation of result… otherwise, we stay at home! “

Stephan Valentin, psychologist. Author, with Denitza Mineva of “We will always be there for you”, Pfefferkorn Editor.

My child is very physical: which activity to choose?

Judo. It is an ideal sport for exerting yourself, learning to channel your strength, and understanding that you have to respect others. He will gradually integrate that we can let off steam physically without aggression.

The choir.It allows him to empty himself, to release his overflow of energy, but also to develop his language. 

The pony. By learning to be obeyed from his mount, he better understands the codes of conduct in society. In contact with it, he will learn to measure his gestures, which will appease him himself.

Chess. It allows him to be a strategist and to fight with the other, through mental strength. It is a fight, of course, but an intellectual fight!

>> We avoid: lteam sportsOr if not, in a very framed environment.

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My child likes to order: which activity to choose?

Rugby, basketball, football … A team activity is strongly recommended for this leader in shorts, to allow him to let go and no longer be in control. Integrated into a group, he will assimilate the rules and not impose them. In a team sport, he will learn to give and return the ball to others, under the aegis of a supervising coach. No question of making his law, nor of trying to dominate the other!

Theater.He will find himself in the light, but not alone, because he has to deal with others. He must also be attentive and learn to speak, and especially to let the other speak. It might not be easy for him to delegate at first, as he only really feels safe when he is in control!

The circus school. A very good exercise for trusting others and realizing that on our own, we can’t get anywhere.

>> We avoid: tennis. Because this sport, very individualistic, will only reinforce its side “I manage everything, alone”. 

Testimony of Lucie, mother of Capucine, 6 years old: “Believing to do well, I forced her to finish the year. “

“Capucine claimed classical dance when she was 4 years old. I waited hours to register it! At the end of the first term, she was demotivated by this psychorigid teacher who forced each student to dance alone in front of his classmates. Imagine for a shy child what that meant as anguish! But I did not know until much later because, believing I was doing well, I forced her to end the year! “

Lucy, mother of Capucine, 6 years old.

My child does not obey: which activity to choose?

Field hockey, football.For your little rebel, finding himself drawn into a team will confront him with an authority other than that of his parents. Because often, his disobedience is expressed in relation to parental authority. In an activity like football for example, he will have a team captain, and in order for the group to function and integrate into it, he will be forced to internalize the rules and limits – in another way. than at home where he saw it as a constraint. He will understand that following the rules given by the coach is useful, that it is to be in tune with others. By mimicry, it will fit into the mold.

Dancing or ice skating.Being part of a choreographic ensemble (ballet, etc.) requires great rigor, and submission to very precise conventions which cannot be avoided.

>> We avoid: handicrafts. These solitary activities in which he finds himself left to himself do not offer him a reassuring environment. Lacking a framework, he risks “going all over the place” and disturbing the rest of the group.

To discover in video: Not consulted for my daughter’s extra-curricular activities

 

In video: extra-curricular activities

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My child is shy: which activity to choose?

Handicrafts.Drawing, mosaic, etc. so many solitary activities where he can express himself without necessarily having to speak. It will not necessarily be requested by others and in general, the lessons take place in a calm and joyful atmosphere.

Awakening to English.The timid will finally dare to express themselves, because the children are all at the same level. Even a child followed in speech therapy will more easily pronounce the words in English than in French …

The pony.He will feel confident with this animal who does not judge him. He will learn to overcome his fears, to gain confidence and to open up to others.

>> We avoid: lcombat sports. It’s already difficult for him to assert himself … a clinch would only strengthen his discomfort.

My child is bothered by others: which activity to choose?

Theater. This activity will be the way to learn to assert yourself and gain self-confidence. On stage, we discover how to move in front of the other, and develop their language; it will help him to enrich his vocabulary and find a respondent to mockery. First, make sure that the teacher has mastered his little troop well: if the atmosphere is not benevolent, it may be counterproductive for your child. 

Judo. This sport will help him to become more active when we annoy him, because on the tatami, we learn to impose ourselves and to defend ourselves. What to restore confidence to a child who misses it!

>> We avoid: lteam sports. He needs to gain self-confidence before tackling the constraints of a team.

Author: Elisabeth de la Morandière

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