I’m a parent of a young child and if you’re like me you sign your child up for all kinds of activities to enrich, encourage and engage them throughout the year.  Whether it’s a sport or artistic activity, your main reason for driving your little one to and fro and for investing your hard earned money into all the gear and fees is to see specific expectations met.  

You expect the activity to build up and help grow up your child into more of an amazing individual than he/she already is and will become.  Encouragement, direction, skill sets, fun, interaction with other kids to learn social skills, self-esteem…something!!! that will keep them engaged while you sit back and admire how awesome they are growing up to be.

There are so many activities out there for my kid.  How do I choose?

1.  Pick a company that is reputable in the community – “Tried and true” is what I look for.  If my family or close friends have had their kids involved and give it a thumbs up or if I do my own research and read a good number of positive reviews from local trustworthy websites then I’m more likely to give it a try.

2. Insist on lessons that are developed by an expert – This is a given.  Inquire about the curriculum or lessons that are being taught.  Has it been developed by someone that actually has experience in the content?

3. Choose a company that offers flexibility of schedule – Programs that have options in regards to day and times during the day best fit your families’ already busy schedule.  You need options!

4. Select a company that prioritizes standardized instruction – Our children might gel better with one type of personality over another, but will the methodology being taught be the same?  There must be a consistency in the content being taught whether you’re with teacher Jane or teacher Joe.

5. Be certain the company values your values– You may want your child to be the next Olympian.  You may want your child to progress with excellence through skill levels.  Or you may simply want them out of the house socializing with other kids and having fun.  Whatever may be your reason for signing your child up for the activity should be important to the company and prioritized.

6. Fun and safe environment – If it’s fun, if it’s enjoyable, your kid will want to attend…period!  When you hear your child talking non-stop about what they did, whom they participated with and asking when they get to go back, you know you have a winner.   When you can walk away and let your child participate because you see the adult supervision and the professionalism in regards to the measures taken to ensure safety, you have peace of mind.

You’ll reap the rewards of your research and inquiries when you find the company that offers programs and activities that your child blossoms under.  It’s our job as parents to provide opportunities for our young children to learn how to get along with others, to listen and follow directions, to be placed in situations that require and encourage determination, courage and discipline, oh, and to experience joy, laughter and fun!

With a perspective, I’m Jalyn Crum.
AquaTech Swim Instructor and mother of two young children

This entry was posted on March 17, 2010, 10:49 am and is filed under Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.