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Conference moira::parenting

Title:Parenting
Notice:Previous PARENTING version at MOIRA::PARENTING_V3
Moderator:GEMEVN::FAIMANY
Created:Thu Apr 09 1992
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1292
Total number of notes:34837

970.0. "Karate before 3 experiences" by ICS::WALKER () Tue Jun 13 1995 16:37

    Did search on subject: KARATE
    
    Does anyone have any experience with starting children of 3 in martial
    arts classes?
    
    A studio in my town  says that they will start children as early as 3 in
    their martial arts/karate classes depending on the child.
    
    Has anyone started their child at 3 and what are the positives and
    negatives encountered?
    
    A friend is considering starting her child this summer and I definately
    would like to start our son when the time comes. I strongly believe in
    the dicipline that comes with such studies and feel that young children
    are like sponges and at 3 are really striving for self definition.
    
    Let me know, we both would appreciate your input
    
    
    - Sarah
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970.1compared with dancingMPGS::HEALEYKaren Healey, VIIS Group, SHR3Wed Jun 14 1995 13:5130
    
    Sarah,
    
    	I don't know personally about Karate but I would expect that it
    would be similar to dance lessons.  Last weekend, I attended my 
    sister in laws dance studio show and she had a couple of dances with
    her 3 year olds.  They were adorable but they really didn't do much
    in the way of dancing.  
    
    After the show I was discussing with Kristine (my SIL) about the
    right age to start Lauren in dance lessons.  I personally felt that
    3 was too young and her answer was that it depends on the child.  If
    the child can follow direction and pay attention for the 1/2 hour
    class, then start them in lessons.  She said that in her 5/6 year
    old class, there is no difference in the ability of the children
    that started at 3 years compared to the ones that just started.  So
    starting them at age 3 really doesn't give them "an edge".
    
    I don't think I'll start Lauren dancing until she asks.  At 3, if
    I started her dancing, it would be my decision, not hers.  At 4-5
    I think she might be old enough to make the decision on her own.  And
    if she wants to do Little League instead, I'll let her.  It is her
    choice and I'm not going to push her into recreational activities that
    she doesn't want to do.  I'll be pushing her hard enough to do well
    in school.  I don't want to push her in every area of her life.
    
    So... i guess all I'm saying, is let your son decide when he is
    ready.
    
    Karen
970.2Karate school recommendations?SHRCTR::JPALMASONThu Dec 14 1995 08:4413
    My son is 5 and I feel that perhaps enrolling him in karate would help
    him to channel his energy (lots of it) in a positive way.  When I
    mentioned karate to him, he was so excited and started with the karate
    chops.  No dear, I don't think that's what it's all about...
    
    Anyway, I am looking for recommendations on a karate school in the
    Acton/Concord/Littleton area.  Or any to stay away from.  Please send
    any info to:
    
    SHRCTR::JPALMASON
    
    Thanks!
    Julie