I need to find something for ds2 to do on Saturdays- any ideas? stagecoach?

[getbakainyourjimjams]

He's 4. Likes singing, dancing etc (although isn't particularly good- especially at the dancing!). Not so keen on sporty stuff. I have to be able to leave him.

I've looked at Stagecoach- looks quite good for him (he likes organised stuff, and adult instruction!)- but do they have to be talented or wannabees?

Thought about Tae Kwon do- but not sure its him really.

Not sure football etc exist for littlies and he gets a bit puffy (slightly asthmatic). He never seems that keen on football although to be honest he hasn't played that much.

No woodcraft folk down here.

Anything I haven't thought of, or any experience of stagecoach for littlies?

[getbakainyourjimjams]

Oh forgot to say thanks- thanks!

[helsi]

stagecoach might be a little bit "luvvy" and too pressured to start out. Are there any local dancing schools you could try him in first to see if he takes to it? Most are quite cheap each week and introduces them slowly. you might also see whether it is worth investing in the more "serious" groups a bit later down the line.

[getbakainyourjimjams]

Thanks-there is a local dance school that runs classes on a Sat v close to our house- but it's very heavily girl biased (and no singing which I think he'd enjoy more). I did a search on stagecoach on here and some people seemed to think the early years classes were fairly relaxed (we're in a relaxed part of the country I think- wonder if that would help- there seems to be less competitive parenting here than I experienced when we lived in London iykwim).

I don't know perhaps I should just leave him, but when we took him out last week (ds1 went to respite), when told he was going out he said "but we never go out at the weekends" (and he doesn't, ds1 does - otherwise out lives are hell, but he doesn't) so I feel he really ought to do something. I don't really want to up ds1's respite massively at the moment.

[Janh]

JulieF and her DH run a stagecoach school in Cheshire, jimjams - if you search on her name she has posted about it on a few threads. They can start at 4 apparently.

Is there a gymclub/toddler gym near you, or would that be too sporty for him?

[getbakainyourjimjams]

Just trying to find out- found one but only weekdays and once they get to school age it gets serious. Have another idea to check out (gymtots- lots of trampolines and things- went to a party there- but I think it's weekdays clashing with ds1 coming home from school). Gah! Thanks will search again. And now bed- only got 2 and a half hours last night.

[julienetmum]

Well obviously I think Stagecoach is great but then again I would.

Seriously you do not have to be naturally talented or luvvy (in fact the less luvvy you are the better). There are no auditions or anything, you just have to be enthusiastic. You would be surprised how much the students improve though.

The aim is to have fun and gain confidence whilst learning skills that can be used in other areas of life as well as on the stage. Dd loves going (she sings beautifully but her dance is SO unco-ordinated) and it is so rewarding seeing the youngsters come out of themselves over the course of the year.

If you are interested then have a 2 week trial. It means he can see if he likes it before you have to commit to the term.

Anyway, advert over!!!! Try it and make your own mind up.

[getbakainyourjimjams]

thanksjulienetmum. I received the prospectus today- I'll give them a ring later. He loves singing (and his singing isn't hideous), and dancing and is very enthusiastic about everything.

[geogteach]

DS1 (4.5) is starting football this weekend, sounds quite like yours slightly asthmatic and doesn't know much about it but he fancied giving it a go, he also does spanish on Saturdays (alternate weeks) which his spanish granny takes him to (leaves him there). Thought that might give you more ideas what might be available for that age group.

[getbakainyourjimjams]

ooh where did you find out about football?