<![CDATA[What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes?]]>I try to limit to 2 enrichment classes, so as not to tire out the kid and leave time for free play.


My girl started with ballet at 4. Then swimming as well. She loves swimming very much, often staying back another hour after lessons just to swim some more. Then because she enjoyed the singing and dancing practice for her school concert so much, we sent her for a jazz performance class. But we cancelled the ballet.

Now she is 5 yrs old, and she is asking to learn piano because she sees me playing the piano at home. I told her that she will have to give up her jazz performance class for that, and it breaks your heart when your girl has to give up something she likes. Till now she still asks to go back to ballet, and she also asks to go for cooking classes. Furthermore, there’s the looming question of chinese enrichment class since she barely speaks it at home and she is entering P1 in 2010.

Anyone else in such a dilemna?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/474/what-to-do-when-your-child-asks-for-enrichment-classesRSS for NodeMon, 11 May 2026 22:21:50 GMTWed, 09 Jul 2008 02:56:43 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:20:57 GMT]]>I think its about the kids character.


My DS1 started attending quite many enrichment classes 3months back, to prepare him for his P1 next year. While he grumbles about so many classes and I decided to drop music and not to take another chinese class, he kept telling me to keep them…

My DS2 (maybe still young 2.5years old) kept saying no , he dont want classes…

but then again, yes, I think gals are more acceptance to enrichment classes.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/68719https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/68719Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:20:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:13:28 GMT]]>

mom2boys:
suddenly has this question - does boys and gals reacts differently with regards to enrichments courses? need some feedback on this.


does gals usually will request parents to bring them to class like drawing, swimming etc?

My two girls are very different from each other.

My younger girl is the super active one. Besides kindy, she is taking abacus, ballet, piano, drawing & phonics classes. Trying to convince her to drop abacus. Only managed to drop her gym class after months of persuasion. She completed her Chinese enrichment so (I'm) taking a break now. She also wanted swimming & inline skating lesson which I can't squeeze into her busy schedule

For my elder one, she never ask for classes. In fact, she would be quite happy hiding in one corner reading from dawn to night. She said she can self-learn.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/68486https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/68486Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:13:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:48:34 GMT]]>Thanks Tamarind! Will check them out! 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/12355https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/12355Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:48:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:01:52 GMT]]>

Picolo:

Hi Tamarind,

May I know where did you buy and what brands/models of oven and electric mixer you have? I have been thinking of getting them but so afraid that they may end up like the $600 juicer which I hardly use. Healthy, long lasting white elephant currently.
Hi Picolo,
I bought the Kenwood oven, less about $150. I think the Philips electric mixer was about $80. That was 2 years back. The prices could be different now.

When I bought it, I was worried that they will become white elephants too 😄 But on days when I did not feel like bringing the kids out, baking cupcakes, muffins, and cookies are so much fun.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/12337https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/12337Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:01:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:38:44 GMT]]>

tamarind:



But for parents like me, who have limited financial resources, and no time to bring the kids around, I prefer to DIY.

I saw a baking class which teach kids to bake cupcakes or cookies. One session of 2 hours cost $80 ! I bought my own baking equipment like oven, electric mixer, weighing scale, etc. Total less than $250.
Hi Tamarind,

May I know where did you buy and what brands/models of oven and electric mixer you have? I have been thinking of getting them but so afraid that they may end up like the $600 juicer which I hardly use. Healthy, long lasting white elephant currently.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/12336https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/12336Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:38:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:53:41 GMT]]>

ChiefKiasu:
chamonix:

Oops, this slipped my mind - he just requested for ballroom dancing recently.


I keep hearing stranger and stranger things everyday. So what triggered his interest? Chacha? Rhumba? Waltz? Tango? Salsa? \"So you think you can dance\" on Mediacorp?

Haha, you are not the only one who finds it strange. Chacha is the culprit. 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7256https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7256Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:53:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:40:12 GMT]]>

chamonix:
Oops, this slipped my mind - he just requested for ballroom dancing recently.

I keep hearing stranger and stranger things everyday. So what triggered his interest? Chacha? Rhumba? Waltz? Tango? Salsa? \"So you think you can dance\" on Mediacorp?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7246https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7246Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:40:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:01:48 GMT]]>

chamonix:

The only course my 5 yr old boy ever requested so far is learning violin.
Oops, this slipped my mind - he just requested for ballroom dancing recently.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7216https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7216Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:01:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:40:17 GMT]]>

mom2boys:
suddenly has this question - does boys and gals reacts differently with regards to enrichments courses? need some feedback on this.


does gals usually will request parents to bring them to class like drawing, swimming etc?

i was asking my 4yr old boy 'would he like to learn tekwando?' he responded ' ok lor'...then 'hmmm...dun wan lah'....
then I pop another question ' would you like to go for drawing class or music lesson?' he responded ' i want both...' in a cheeky way...so make me wonder should i or should i not send him to these classes...worried in the end, he doesn't like it. waste the $$ and time...
The only course my 5 yr old boy ever requested so far is learning violin. Other than that, I'll suggest for him to try out different courses. If he likes it, he gets to stay on the course. Courses he's having now include Violin, Aikido and BerriesWorld. Other things in the pipeline include fencing (when he turns 6), swimming, inline skating, and piano.

As for my gal, she's been bugging me for ballet classes since 2.5yr old. Got her wish when she turned 3 yr old 🙂 She's also having Chinese at Berries. Things in the pipeline include swimming, violin and possibly piano.

I used to think sending kids to classes is an extravagant hobby, not to mention torturous and redundant for the kids. But seeing how my kids enjoy themselves in various classes, my view changed. As long as the kids are happy learning another skill, enrichment classes are not necessary bad. Furthermore, it's good for character building. Besides handling academic work well, they are also learning to manage non-academic activities.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7212https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7212Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:40:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:09:16 GMT]]>

nat_mom:
Am planning to stop all except piano and Chinese when she goes P1 next year.

I think swimming is another course that you should consider. As children should be physically fit in order to perform academically. 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7210https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7210Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:09:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:18:05 GMT]]>I agree that it's ok for them to have more than 2 enrichment classes at this age, esp if they are the ones asking for it. My gal is attending abacus on Mon, phonics on Wed, ballet on Thur, piano and Chinese on Sat, drawing and swimming on Sun. Other than piano, the rest were requested by her. She looks forward to all her lessons. She had requested for me to look for science enrichment too...but told her i do not want to overload her with another class on Sat, 2 is enough as we could have bonding time after that. Am planning to stop all except piano and Chinese when she goes P1 next year. But usually she has such gd rapport with the teachers that she does not want to withdraw. Had initially wanted to stop her phonics in Jun, but she will reason with me that what Teacher Rosie is teaching is different from what she learns in her pre-school and she wants to learn that so that she can be a better reader :? Spoke to her for quite a while and she finally agrees to stop abacus, phonics come year end 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7206https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7206Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:18:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:48:36 GMT]]>

Luanee:
My 6 yr old girl requested for ballet, drawing and cooking classes... quite good in the sense that whenever she misbehaves or not practise her spelling, I would threaten to cancel her ballet class and she will obey quickly... 😛

Good for you. That means she really likes the class! Money will be well spent.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7204https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7204Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:48:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:06:38 GMT]]>My 6 yr old girl requested for ballet, drawing and cooking classes... quite good in the sense that whenever she misbehaves or not practise her spelling, I would threaten to cancel her ballet class and she will obey quickly... 😛

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7168https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7168Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:06:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:32:40 GMT]]>

mom2boys:
suddenly has this question - does boys and gals reacts differently with regards to enrichments courses? need some feedback on this.

My elder son never requested for any enrichment.
I have to be the one to initiate and ensure that he goes through it before deciding if it is appropriate and if he truly enjoys the lesson.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7152https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7152Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:32:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:16:28 GMT]]>suddenly has this question - does boys and gals reacts differently with regards to enrichments courses? need some feedback on this.


does gals usually will request parents to bring them to class like drawing, swimming etc?

i was asking my 4yr old boy ‘would he like to learn tekwando?’ he responded ’ ok lor’…then ‘hmmm…dun wan lah’…
then I pop another question ’ would you like to go for drawing class or music lesson?’ he responded ’ i want both…’ in a cheeky way…so make me wonder should i or should i not send him to these classes…worried in the end, he doesn’t like it. waste the $$ and time…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7150https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/7150Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:16:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:38:58 GMT]]>

red_ryder:
I try to limit to 2 enrichment classes, so as not to tire out the kid and leave time for free play.



Anyone else in such a dilemna?

hi
same situation as u.
My gal is 5 this yr. Currently doing her dancing class on sat and 3 other enrichment classes over the weekends.
jst few days ago, she requests for fencing lesson
Others may think that im the one forcing her for all these!

:oops:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6298https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6298Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:38:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:16:53 GMT]]>I think it is good that the child shows interest in learning so many things. If the parents have enough financial resources to pay for all those classes, then why not ?


But for parents like me, who have limited financial resources, and no time to bring the kids around, I prefer to DIY.

I saw a baking class which teach kids to bake cupcakes or cookies. One session of 2 hours cost $80 ! I bought my own baking equipment like oven, electric mixer, weighing scale, etc. Total less than $250. I have been teaching my kids to bake cupcakes and cookies since they were 3 years old. We have baked about 10 - 20 times now. Check out my blog.

http://tamarindvillage.blogspot.com/2007/09/cupcakes.html

Earlier this year I also saw a class which teach older kids to be entrepreneurs, it costs over $100 for a half day course. I decided to teach my girl the process of making, selling. Check this out.

http://tamarindvillage.blogspot.com/2008/02/chloes-young-entrepreneur.html

My hubby is giving them elementary Maths & Science lessons, from maths (Pascal's triangle, concept of infinity), astronomy (e.g. the earth is a big globe, land looks flat only because it's a BIG globe; planets of the solar system: their names in sequence, whether rocky or gas giants, whether cold/hot depending on distance from the sun), to biology (e.g. observe and draw parts of a flower's boy- and girl-parts, flower -> fruits -> dissemination of seeds) and even chemistry (e.g. concept of atoms & molecules, 3 states of water: ice, liquid, steam/vapour).

We really save a lot of money !

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/4888https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/4888Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:16:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:20:58 GMT]]>mine is asking for art classes but we really dont have the time.

now looking ard to look for those that will fit.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/4750https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/4750Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:20:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:07:02 GMT]]>Hi All, my son hates all classes, including school 😢 . He just wants to learn and do things by himself. He's cheap to upkeep I suppose, but Mummy over here wants some personal time. Before I read this thread, I thought all kids didn't like classes, but this has opened my eyes. What to do? :lol: A case of too bad lah!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/4332https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/4332Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:07:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:40:09 GMT]]>Hi, think you are not alone 😉


I have a girl same age as yours and she too will ask for enrichment lessons! Hmm I have the same mentality as the other 2, if it is managable then why not.

She is currently in a 3 hourly pre-school and so when the school started a series of extra lessons, she was over-joyed! Since it just 1 hour after her normal lessons, I enrolled her for those that she asked for. (after we had discuss what is suitable 🙂 ) She doesn’t feel pressurized but seems to be enjoying herself! However, I would tend to reserve weekends free for family day (for the dad and family gatherings)

But I do agreed on the point that they can't be given everything that is asked for and there needs to do compromising sometimes. Nothing in this world comes free :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2961https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2961Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:40:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:22:30 GMT]]>Hi. I’m in sync with ChiefKiasu. I remember when I was young, my schedule was packed tight too but never will I say I feel pressurized. Now as a parent I have the same thinking as you are if my kids will be overwhelm by all the enrichment programs. Since she is interested, by all means go ahead. She will definitely give you some indications or will tell you that she no longer has interest in attending the enrichment programs if she feels overwhelm.


As for cooking class, I have the same request from my kids. Instead of enrolling them for classes, I invited their favourite cousin for tea time & we all had fun preparing for tea. Simple recipe like fruits fondue (they can help cut banana with plastic knife, break the chocolate into pieces etc), baking cookies, pizza etc. Do take plenty of photographs when they are in action & create a scrap book or a blog together to immortalize the happy moments.

You can also teach your daughter basic piano lessons. Wait for a few months and see if her interest is still strong. It will then be up to you to enrol her for serious learning.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2955https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2955Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:22:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to What to do when your child asks for enrichment classes? on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:49:08 GMT]]>Since your child is still in pre-school, why limit her to only 2 enrichments classes, given that SHE is asking for more, and assuming you have both the time and resources to make it happen? You won’t have the same kind of freedom to choose once she reaches Primary school level. It is a good idea to expose her to more things from an early age so that she can experience and decide on which she wants to grow deep specialization in.


That said, it is also not a good idea to give the child everything she wants just because she asks. It is very prudent of you to talk to her to explain the concept of opportunity cost, that she may have to sacrifice certain things in order to do others. As adults, we make such decisions on a daily basis.

Also, she must learn to take the fun things with a dose of reality. There should be a balance of enrichment - some focusing on the child’s own interests, others to build foundation for Primary school education - but all should be administered in a fun way.

But you have already done well so far in grooming such an independent and self-aware child who knows what she wants!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2908https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2908Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:49:08 GMT