Raise a healthy happy child

my son got his annual school report today, it says he tries very hard and is always kind and helpful, also he behaves nicely and is making very good progress – and outstanding progress in maths. My son rocks.

my son has become very keen on joining things and going to clubs etc. We have had to make him make some choices – he can’t do everything, because (1) it all costs money (2) I don’t want to spend every evening and weekend ferrying him from club to club & (3) – most important – I don’t actually think it’s good for a 7 year old to be doing organised activities during all their waking hours, I think they need time to play and watch tv and get bored so they have to think of something interesting to do for themselves.

Anyway this is son’s current timetable:
- Wed – gymnastics – he’s been going for a couple of years now and is working towards BAGA badge 4, plus he just got his first trampolining badge

- Fri – Cubs – actually he’s just starting Cubs this week for the first time, hope he likes it

- Sat – swimming lesson – he’s getting a good little swimmer, after his lesson we stay in the pool swimming and playing

son has reached an age where he wants to take part in everything. He already does swimming (twice a week, lesson + class) and gymnastics, now he wants to go to cubs too. We said he had to chose one thing to stop going to, after some gentle persuasion he has decided to stop swimming club and keep on with gym. I’m glad about that, although he is not one of nature’s gymnasts it’s good exercise and good discipline, and good for his confidence when he gets to show off when they have gym at school.

having problems with son being very easily discouraged and giving up if he finds things challenging.

Next action: read ‘Confident Children’ & ‘Raising Boys’

He’s started gymnastic classes now, and loves it. And, at the park yesterday, he tried to ride his bike on the bmx ramps. He didn’t really know what he was doing so he’s asked our neighbour, semi-pro trials rider and all round nice bloke, to give him lessons, and neighbour said yes. Nice man.

bank holiday weekend, hitched up trail-a-bike and dragged child away from video and out for 11 mile bike ride. With picnic, playground stops and sweets. I think he enjoyed it.