Homeschooling and Activities

 I have always been against signing kids up for activities just to give them something to do.  Too many people sign their kids up for activities that they don't like or want to do.  And then, on top of that, they have them in multiple activities so that they are doing something constantly.  

I have seen people around me have their kids in regular school and then an activity or sport almost every day after school.  I see this as detrimental to kids.  They need time to decompress, especially if they are going to a traditional school.  

We don't like being busy from the time we get up until we fall into bed at night.  Why would our kids want to, why would they like it?  I have been of the mind that if one of my kids showed an interest in something, we would explore it.  If they wanted to try something out, we would find a way.  The stipulation being that they had to put an effort into it and then if they didn't like it or enjoy it, they were allowed to drop whatever it was.  The other caveat was that if it caused negatives in their life or our family life that it would be stopped.

That being said, a year ago now, my four year old (then 3) jumped off of a jungle gym and broke his arm.  I realized then that he needed something to burn off energy and teach him limits.  He is very stubborn and determined child.  Not a bad thing if funneled away from harm.  I am not opposed to him taking risks.  However, I decided it was time for him to try something that would feed into that desire in a safer environment.

I looked into a few different options in our area.  I knew I didn't want a sport that required a lot of practices and games.  Between work and caring for his disabled adult brother I knew those would not be possible.  In my search I discovered Taekwondo for kids.  Our area has several different places that offer this.  To my surprise, one was very affordable with a monthly plan and flexible classes.  Add to that, they have 2 mornings a week that are set as a homeschool group.  Fantastic and the most affordable option. 

We gave it a try.  It took him a bit to adjust to a group setting and an instructor, but he loved it.  In a few weeks we will hit a year in.  He has thrived.  It has helped in so may ways.  He is becoming a very very outgoing child.  He is making friends with kids and adults.  He is learning how to trust his body, how to pay attention to his body and muscles.  I never expected this.  In this year he has moved up to a group of the next age group of kids.  

This class teaches anti-bullying techniques at the age and development level of the kids.  The instructors are really good with the kids.  I never expected to have my child in a "sport" 2 days a week.  But, he is thriving with this.  

Team work and working together is part of every class.  Moving his body in a healthy and positive way instead of just wildly throwing himself around has been a huge improvement.  He is learning how to identify and target certain muscles for movements, stretches, etc.  This has become a family activity in a way.  His dad now goes to the adult classes.  We practice exercises, stretches, and movements at home together.  I am allowed to watch his entire class time.  I am then able to help him practice at home.  

Secondary to an activity for him to burn off energy was self defense.  Some things have happened in my life the last couple of years where it has become a bigger concern.  He needs to be able to physically defend himself if needed, as well as know when it is needed.  I have needed this as well.  I don't ever want my kids to face some of the things I have in my life.  I want to set them up the best I am able for their future, and that includes personal awareness and safety.