Some parents are struggling right now with the tiredness that can come with their child starting reception…
That is the kids who are tired – we parents are permanently tired!
It is understandable to think the best thing is to temporarily stop any extra-curricular activities because your little one seems to be more tired/has had a lot of change.
In our experience it is a case of fighting through it.
You’ll have the tantrums and tears.
But it is worth it now rather than letting them get too comfortable with laying on the sofa for ages.
They can quickly think that is the ‘norm’.
Then when the time comes to re-introduce evening/weekend activities you’re going to find it really hard to convince them to go when all they’ve done after school for the last few weeks is chill out.
Even if you go and they only do 5-10 minutes, it is better than nothing.
Although they have had a lot of change, keeping their evening/weekend routine the same can be helpful instead of stopping everything then changing it all again in a couple of months.
Leaving now might mean you can’t get back into the activity or you’re put in a different group with different kids/coaches/teachers.
That could only make things worse.
Our advice:
– Fight through it now
– Try limit the time they have sat/laid down between school finishing and the activity starting – this only makes them more sleepy
– Aim to get outside for fresh air – they’ll feel more awake
– Do schedule in some relaxing time – they do need that downtime so plan it in around their extra-curricular activities so they get the right balance of active/relaxing time
Remember, we all (kids included) seem to get a bit more energy/feel more awake when we are active, so getting them to the class is half the battle.
A lot of time, when they start joining in, they quickly forget the tiredness and after a few weeks they are absolutely fine.
Also, think of how easy bedtime will be haha!
Luke Towning is the co-owner of Foot-Tech Academy, a children’s footall coaching school in Leeds.
For more info check out https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/
