At what age did you start sports and other activities for your child?

My son is 3 years old. He's done the infant mommy and me singing/art/gymboree type classes. At age 2 years, he was in toddler soccer which went way over his head (seemed geared for 3-4 year olds).





I'd like to put him in different activities, but I don't want to pressure him or overwhelm him. So I'm a little curious. At what age did you start your kids on the following activities, if any at all?





Swimming


Music Lessons


Sports lessons (Tennis, golf, soccer, etc)


PeeWee/Little League (football, baseball, etc.)


Martial Arts (karate, kung fu, etc.)


Anything else?





I have a 5 year old niece who's been in swimming and karate since the age of 3 and tennis since age 4. So at age 5, in addition to kindergarten, she's in swimming, tennis, and karate. And her mom wants to put her in piano classes. To me that seems like a lot...3-4 extra curricular activities in addition to school at age 5? Is that normal?





How much is too much (or too little)?





Thanks...





mari

At what age did you start sports and other activities for your child?
I think your niece is involved in a bit much. Most of the parents at my daycare have a rule of thumb, one activity per season. Kids can try 4 things per year and nto be overwhelmed and give their all at each one.


My daughter will start Swimming this spring (age 2) and dance next fall/winter (2.5). Until she is a little older, that is all she will participate in.
Reply:Pick one activity - yes, your niece is involved in way too much - she needs her downtime and time just to play. Most activities have age limits so you can't start too young but at the age of 3, they can start dance - at age 4 they can start soccer and T ball - just not more than one at a time.
Reply:We started dance class with my daughter when she was 3. My son started Tball when he was 4. They are 5 and 7 now and still participate in those activities as well as a children's program like Scouts at our church. We've also played around a little bit w/golf on and off since they hit the age of three. We are now considering martial arts for our son.





I generally try to keep it at two activities at a time for each of them. It's important that kids be well rounded, but to me getting their education is the most important. When their little minds get too cluttered up w/activities, how do they focus on school? Not to mention games running late, not getting to bed on time, etc that you tend to run into w/too many activities.
Reply:my neice who is about to be five is in swimming, soccer, and dance. personally, if they have enough energy and ENJOY it, then let them experience new things! i would limit a 3 year old to 2-3 activities.
Reply:I don't think a 3 yr old needs to be in any activities at all. Maybe a play group once a month. Why rush them into all that stuff? Let them be kids.





I didn't start any of my boys until age 5 and that was T-ball.





whoever said 2-3 activities for a 3 yr old, that is crazy. That could be 3-4 nights a week! That is way too much scheduling for a child that age.
Reply:I think too much or too little depends on you and what you feel is important to your child. I have a step sis to has her kids in private school along with 4 activities each ..i personally think thats too many for my child and my family. I personally do not want to spend all our weekends and free time in the car at activities. I also feel kids grow up too fast and need some free time to be kids and occupy themselves a bit. All kids can't be super stars at all things so I would personally pick 1 thing he/she is good at and enjoys and go with that for now!