That sentence seriously sounds like my kid is going to be a crime boss.
In fact, we've had countless arguments over what sort of extracurricular activities Lola will or will not participate in. Our agreed upon rule: Once she is old enough to voice her opinion, she can do whatever she likes, so long as she is in a safe environment.
The problem is, she hasn't figured out what she likes quite yet.
For a long time, I advocated signing her up for a Parent-Tot gymnastics class. I used to teach those sort of classes at the local community center, and I loved them. The babies and toddlers were so adorable and they all loved to hang on the bars, attempt to walk across the balance beam, and play parachute at the conclusion of each class.
Josh hates gymnastics.
He believes it provides a platform for body issues and injuries, as well as those squeaky voices that only Olympic gymnasts seem to possess (Thanks a lot, Mary Lou Retton.)
I worked long and hard to convince him of all the benefits, but didn't really get very far. Also, the fact that all the Parent-Tot classes in our area were on weekdays, and thus, Josh would have to take her to these classes, which he refused to do, didn't help my case.
Finally, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Without discussing the matter with Josh, I signed Lola up for a swim class.
Each Saturday morning, Lola and I spend a half an hour at the pool. She LOVES it. She talks about her swim classes all week long in anticipation of that little half an hour. During her class, there are classes for older children taking place in the same pool, and recently, Lola has become obsessed with their swim goggles.
After a week of her saying, "I need goggles." (Yes, she did say that.) I bought her some at Target, and for the past three days, she has worn them everywhere.
In the bathtub (of course.)
With her pajamas.
And even when she wants to snuggle.
I think swim is something she likes, and Josh likes it too. I think we have a winner.
Swimming classes are the only classes Michaela has ever done, and she also loves them!
ReplyDeleteShe looks like a superhero!
ReplyDeleteThose are classic. :)
ReplyDeleteBut is it the swimming she likes, or just the goggles? Heh heh.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're not giving up on the activities. It's not always about the activities- sometimes it's about not being a social idiot-- and a lot of social skills, a sense of teamwork, and confidence all can come from organized, group activities. Lola is still young, but if you don't introduce her to the activities, she will never know if she likes them . . . Alas I'm preaching to the choir.