When’s the RIGHT TIME?

You want to give your child every opportunity in the world but you don t want to overwhelm her with classes and activities. Starting her at the right time goes a long way to preventing early burnout.

You might worry that taking your toddler to an extramural activity or class might be overloading them and putting pressure on your child to be perfect. Or you may want your child to experience as many activities as possible. The truth is that a structured activity, or class, can be a fun and creative outlet for your toddler. Attending a class may help develop your child’s concentration, memory, problemsolving skills, motor skills and ability to interact in a social setting. Bear in mind that your child needs to express an interest in it, and the class needs to be suited to her

age. Ronel Tarnow, a Johannesburg-based psychologist says, “First ask yourself why you want to take your child to a class – is it to suit you or your child? It’s always good to expose your children to different opportunities – good stimulation helps your child to develop – but too much too soon is not a good thing. There are limitations as to what your child can attain at this age.” Attending a class has many benefits for your child, but she needs to show signs of aptitude, interest and potential in order to be stimulated properly and extract the full benefit.

LIMITATIONS

Some parents start their children in formal classes from as young as 1 or 2 years old, but the best age to start a structured class is 4 or 5 years. Children who benefit the most from structured activity are reasonably independent and have an attention span that can last throughout the length of the class. Make sure that attending the class is the right thing for your toddler at this point in her development, and never push her into it. “Pre-schoolers can become tired quite quickly. If your child shows an interest in something, and you feel she has the potential, then provide her with the stimulation, but don’t overdo it,” Ronel points out. Classes for toddlers should be kept short, so that the maximum benefits are reaped without draining your toddler. It’s also important to remember that toddlers learn best in a relaxed setting, rather than in a strict environment, with a highly structured programme. There are many classes available where the children are instructed together in a more informal and social setting. This is very beneficial to both your toddler’s mental and psychological development. Before you enrol your toddler in a class, think about what she has expressed an interest in, or shows a talent for. See the class as a chance for your child to realise her potential and unearth her passion, but try to include a balance of structured activity and unstructured play in her schedule.

THE OPTIONS

There are many activities and classes out there for young children, each with their own set of benefits. At this young age, the ones your child will gain the most from are those that centre on movement, activity and music. Selecting the right activity for your toddler is difficult and can be confusing, but we’ve broken down some of the options to make it easier for you.

THE TEACHER

The right teacher will take your child to unimaginable heights, where the wrong teacher could cause your child to dislike the activity forever. Besides making sure that the person instructing the class has experience with young children, you might want to ask your toddler’s school teacher or other parents if they can recommend someone.

Once you have a couple of teachers in mind, set up interviews with them. At the interview, ask all the practical questions regarding the cost of the class, the length of the class as well as what days the class takes place on. You might want to chat to them about any equipment or instruments needed, and the possible cost of these. Try to gauge their approach to children, and decide if you agree with this approach, by asking them the following: what method do you use in your class, and why, and what are your expectations of a child attending your class? It might also be a good idea to attend a class as an observer. This way, you can see how they interact with their students, and if you take your child along, it might set her mind at ease in terms of what to expect from the class. Watching a session before starting the class will also afford your child an opportunity to see if she’ll actually like it.

Bear in mind that there are no right or wrong questions that you can ask a prospective teacher; you are looking for someone whose approach and expectations are reasonable and suit yours and your child’s. You’re looking for someone who suits your toddler’s needs as well as personality.

If your child starts a class and doesn’t respond well, speak to the teacher about the concerns you have. Be specific and try to work towards a solution together, allowing some time for your child to get used to the teacher and class, and work out any rough patches.

THE MOTIVATION

Attending a class should be a fun and exciting activity for your child; one she looks forward to every week. You might find her babbling non-stop about it from the word go, or she might be a bit overwhelmed at first and gradually increase her interest in it. It is, however, very important that she continues to express excitement and joy towards the class at this age. Her interest in and passion for the activity should sustain her interest, but if you see her excitement waning, it’s important not to force her to do it.

Ronel suggests that you listen to your child. If she expresses disdain at having to attend the next class, allow her to stop. Even though you may have invested a lot of time and money in taking her to her classes, forcing her to continue will only end up in resentment and halt her development in the activity. Also, try to find out why she doesn’t want to go anymore. If the problem lies with the teacher, you might want to address it with her, but if your child has lost interest in the activity or has other valid reasons for not wanting to go, drop it. ●