What kind of extracurricular activities should I involve my 6 yr. son in?

Question

I don't like karate too much since it will give him a habit of kicking his classmates, soccer is uncomfortable for the climate I live in, dancing is inappropriate for the boy ( at least that's what I've been told)

Cub scouts activities make me laugh...

I would realy like him to learn to play piano.

Answer 1

I don't think a 6 year old needs to have more than 1 activity. Pick something he has shown an interest in, and one that you like & can afford.

It makes me laugh when parents have a schedule 5 pages long of different afternoon activities, and which uniforms are needed on which days, etc. As they age, I'd say a 10 or 11 year old could handle more than one, but let kids be kids- 1 extra activity at a time.

It also helps keep them from burning out on being run ragged in a parents attempt at a "well rounded" child who they dream of a future in the NBA or NFL.

Answer 2

Any team sports are great. Even if you live in the deep south, they don't let kids get overheated. (I think its harder on the parents than the kids)
My kids loved swimming lessons. We used an indoor pool and inrolled for fall classes. Also this is the season for basketball.
They use shorter baskets for younger kids.
You may think the activities in boy scouts are funny, but the boys have a great time learning and exploring. If they stick with it though high school, they learn sorme great life skills. Its a great way to make friends for life.
My kids also have joined bowling leagues and love that too.
They have parent and child leagues that are VERY FUN.
Both of my boys started baseball at age 5.
There are many types of dancing, and if your son has a talent for dancing, then by all means let him give it a try.

Answer 3

If you go with the arts, the piano as well as the guitar are a perfect match for a boy, or any child, at that age. He'll appreciate it later in life. The trombone is actually a better instrument to learn, than the guitar, for the reason that the demand for good trombone instrumentalists is increasing. (Too many trumpet and flute players.)

Now if you go with a sport, you have many choices.

-Soccer is popular with many kids that age. It builds a child's running endurance.

-Baseball is another option. It teaches the child hand-eye coordination and, win or lose, the team goes out for pizza.

-Football is just as popular the first two, but some parents do not go this route for fear that their child will injure themselves horribly. However, it is safer at this age than it is in high school.

I hope I could be of help to you.

Answer 4

Ask HIM!!!

I have been coaching kids at the rec level for years and years. At your son's age there is always at least one kid on the team who is there because his mom or dad wants him to be there. So this little kid is learning how to deal with unpleasent circumstances by tuning himself out, becoming part of the wall. But he is not learning, how to play or fit in socially.

Don't be too quick to judge when it comes to what he wants to do. If he wants to play soccer, I have played in the snow and in 100+ degree temps, and its fun either way. If he wants to learn karate, there are many instructors who make more out of why NOT to hit someone then how to hit someone. In fact if you see a bunch of kids kicking at each other on the playground, its usually the kid standing off to the side watching that is taking Karate, the kids doing the kicking are wishing they had taken karate.

When I was growing up, we did not have all the extracurricular activities that we have now. I spent 4 hours a week watching tv (saturday morning cartoons) and the rest of the time playing with my friends outside. As I haul my daughter between soccer, basketball, piano, tennis, softball, church, choir, swimming..... I realize how lucky I was.

Answer 5

My son is 6 also, and I he is now playing soccer, football, and is involved in Cub Scouts. After soccer and football are over for the season, basketball will be starting, and then swimming.

It seems like it is a lot, and he is involved in a lot, yes, but this is how you have to look at it.....

At that age, it is important for them to become social with other children their age, and do physical activities instead of sitting in the house and becoming dependent on the tv and video games. By getting them involved in multiple activities, it allows them to try each one, and decide which ones they like the best. This way, when they see what they like, they can let you know, and that is what they can continue with the next year.

It is a lot of work for us, also, at first, but it is also worth it in the end.....if gives them self confidence, new friendships, exercise, and something to look forward to! It also gives them the knowledge of their Mom/Dad/Mentor cheering them on from the sidelines, or becoming involved! Its a great feeling!!!

Good luck!!!

Answer 6

You want him to play the Piano...does he want to play the piano?
Cub Scout activities make you laugh...but does he want to be a Cub Scout?

Me, I'm not just a parent, I am a former 6 year old. I wish my parents had said to me, "We would like you to be in Soccer, but...what would you like to do son?"

Answer 7

Why is dancing inappropriate? Is someone afraid he will "turn gay" if he learns to dance? Martial Arts are great for most kids, as for the kicking his classmates that's easily resolved. Most reputable Martial Arts schools do not advocate violence and will admonish their students against "showing off" or attacking someone simply because they think they can. I would return him to Martial Arts and every-time he acts up tell his instructors. They have great disciplines they use on the kids, even to demoting them a belt if need be.
Music is good as well...but make sure it is an instrument he WANTS to learn, this way you can avoid the hassles of nagging him to practice.

Answer 8

learning the piano is a great idea. my 5 year old daughter has been taking piano and loves it. they also say that piano helps with other areas, math and also with language skills.
oh, and when people say dance is not for boys,..... not true. it takes a very physically strong man to dance. look at ballet.... all the lifts and holds. impressive.
also there is the volunteering thing. a couple hours a week at your local spca or nursing home will do wonders for self esteem.
good luck

Answer 9

Karate does not just teach him to kick and punch. They also teach them discipline. Along with this they teach them self respect and better respect for adults. I would consider this and look at the programs offered in your community.

Other ideas might be Pee Wee Football if they offer it near you. Basket ball, soccer is fun and he won't mind the weather when hes having fun.

YMCA might offer swimming lessons/teams. Gymnastics.

Check out your local YMCA and rec center to see what they offer.

Answer 10

I have a six year old, he is in cub scouts, he loves it. He also wants to be in Karate, but I can't afford it. But sports, arts and crafts, and music are all good options.