Singapore Expats

What are your thoughts on children having enrichment classes outside school like guitar, piano lessons, tai kwan do classes and even gym classes?

I think sometimes parents are the ones pressuring kids to do all the activities rather than the kid's interest? I see a friend's kid going for endless classes after school 7 days a week. I do pity the child..

I think it really depends on the child, some kids would like to have extra learning or creative activities, while others may feel overwhelmed with a packed schedule. The key is listening to your child’s interests and energy levels. Enrichment classes can enhance personal growth and social skills, but downtime is equally important.

Our daughter took piano lessons for many years which she was lukewarm about, but it ended up ticking an important box for her university application (within arts, it qualified as performing arts). I can’t say whether piano was make or break for her, but it was stated as a requirement, and she was accepted (the school rejects 91% of applications).

Hi
I'm in two minds about extra classes. Is it too much pressure. I'm thinking the younger they are, the more chance it becomes part of their routine. Any opinions for good options. Should it be to support them academically or for fun?

Kids are resilient creatures, it’s not like they are gonna be scarred for life by these kinds of things.

But I have to say, almost everything… especially before primary school, is going to be a a total waste of time and money. The most memorable “class” was the one where they did these intensely interactive games with songs, it was nonstop fun when our kids were just toddlers and parents joined in… we as parents got more out of it (memories) than our kids did. So if you really want to do something in their early years, that’s about the only thing - but do it for you, not them.

Beyond that, let your kids be your guide — you can tell when it’s something they enjoy or get something out of. When it came to tutors, our kids decided who to fire and who to keep, and even decided whether they wanted a tutor at all.

Totally agree, the earlier years of enrichment are usually much forgotten, mine did gymnastics but totally stopped at Secondary level and so once you stop you forget how to do it...more of a fun thing more than anything else .. didn't help with school entry though...

Thankyou very much for your thoughts