I'm considering taking DS1 to taekwon-do classes for ages 4-6.

He's very 'lively' , we've tried tennis but he finds it frustrating when he misses, we've tried trampolining but there was too much waiting and not enough bouncing, we tried gymnastics but again lots of waiting for his turn and he wasn't really enjoying it.

So the problem could be that he's a bit young for these sorts of structured activities and just wants to run around like a madman.

Or it could be that he's just not used to the structure side and the waiting for his turn.

Or it could be that the activities aren't capturing his interest enough.

So then i get a leaflet for a new taekwon-do class but am concerned that he might just learn some moves to torment his baby brother (who he isn't very impressed with but is getting better).

What do you think?

TKD is very disciplined, and they have to learn lots of routines.

I think 4 is too young. My DS started when he was 7, and that seemed OK. I don't think he could have done it much younger.

I know primary teachers who would say it is asking for trouble with some personality types - you know best whether your ds is likely to start pulling out the punches and kicks in his play in the playground.

If poss, try judo as no punching or kicking.

i showed him the leaflet and he said he'd like to go and watch.

i'd love him to focus his energy on something y'see. i guess we could try it and if he's not getting the message that he's not to actually fight people out of class then we would stop.

i'm wondering whether it would get it out of his system though.

i loved karate as a kid, and think it does a lot for a kids confidence.

you must be mad! you're gonna get yer head kicked in by your own kid!!(smile)

The children I look after all do TKD. The youngest is five but started when she was four. It's fantastic, as there is no waiting about. Also, there is now no fighting at home. They have an oath at TKD that says something along the lines of 'I must not misuse TKD....' Great way to get them listening as well.

don't come crying to us when someone breaks a finger doing Kung Fu Pirate Panda Power Rangers Mystic Force

trig, are you stalking me?

thanks nannynanny, is there no waiting around because they are all doing the moves at the same time?
that's how i remember karate classes.

I think you'll find the answer is that he is tooooooo young for this kind of organised activity

so any organised classes or just tkd?

Any, I'd say

i've noticed that with the other classes really. is school age better?

My DD did karate from the age of 6 to 9 and it gave her alot of confidence. Her class had all age ranges - it was supposed to start from the age of 7 but DD was allowed to start early as she was a few months off her 7th b'day and I said I'd stay with her. She passed her first 3 belts - the red belt just before she was 7 and was so pleased She's now 11 and on Monday is going to start up again as they have a club after school. If it's a session aimed at 4-6 year olds you should find your DS will enjoy it and hopefully learn the basics in an informal atmosphere.

Do it, do it. My ds2 started at about that age. It's all quite controlled. It doesn't involve much actual combat but is still a really good channel for that kind of energy. It's great.

I practice TKD. However I wouldn't send my 4 year old DS for another couple of years at least. He just wouldn't be able to concentrate and he'd be running around like the madman that you describe.

oh you're all saying different things!!!
the class is only for 4-6 year olds so i was hoping they would be prepared for how 4 year olds can be.
but there are plenty 4 year olds who are a bit better at taking instructions without pouting and feeling like it's just no fun.

i think i'll take him along for a look. the class is starting on monday so i thought it might help if he's there right from the beginning rather than joining in when everyone knows what they're doing.

i always have great hopes for these sorts of things but then realise he's just too young. i'm also careful not to push him to do things he doesn't enjoy as i don't want to put him off in the long term.

anymore advice?
what classes are good for a 4 year old?

I took dd to a mini karate trial lesson for 2-3 year olds. I was a bit about it but my friend dragged me along. She absolutely loved it. Lots of running around chasing each other's "dragon's tails", prancing around with ribbons, stretching exercises and then rewards at the end. It was amazing to see the minute the instructor shouted a certain word, the whole class stood still until she said they could go again. It was great but the times just didn't work out for her as it clashed with her nap so we haven't gone back but I would recommend it.

Why don't you see how it goes.

You have to go and see really - it totally depends on the teacher.

I've seen excellent karate classes with very wriggly little kids where the teacher maintained non-scary discipline and the kids had a great time.

Others where the teacher was so scary I was nearly in tears

And others where the teacher had no discipline at all and it descended into total chaos.

With the right teacher, it can be fantastic - like twofalls experience above.

i find that a lot of toddler activities seem to be led by women who look like they're not in the mood for all the kids.

DS seems to like tumbletots which is led by a man who actually looks like he's enjoying himself.

It would grab his attention if the leader is enthusiastic and happy to be there.

Wish me luck. We're going along this evening.

Good luck - you'll probably know in the first 10 mins or so if you're likely to go again.

Might also be an idea to find out if the teacher is the same every week or if it can change.

My dd started doing tae kwondo when she was 5. She went to a class especially for I think 3 year olds upwards. The teacher is amazing - he is in total control. A

My dd loves it. She is 10 years old and still doing it . It helped her self confidence as well as her fitness etc.

Hope you enjoy it..I do TKD nad intend to take mine when they are old enough which i reckon is about 4. If its a specialist class for that age then it should be great.

It was really good. The instructor was friendly and got him involved right at the start. He chatted to them all about what they had been doing that day.
He lost DS1 when he asked him to stand up to play a game. He just shut down and refused to join in. He came and sat with me for a bit. I think he was worried because he didn't know what he was going to have to do and got a bit scared.
He was laughing and enjoying the games and once the actual TKD exercises were finished he went back and played a memory game with them.
It looked like great fun and really well organised.

....but really expensive. £28 per month! but you can take him to unlimited classes which would probably be twice a week for me.
does that seem a lot to you?

Pleased he enjoyed it, komodoghee.

Dd's class is £48 for 12 sessions for under 6 years old. And the tutor asks that the students only come once a week, as he feels this is best for this age group.