Term 4 is here, and if you're anything like the mums we chat to at pick-up, you've got a mental list of after-school activities you keep meaning to look into. Swimming, footy, piano, coding, something. The trouble is, it's hard to know which one will stick, and nobody wants to pay for a term only to drag an unhappy kid out the door every Wednesday.
We've watched a lot of kids walk through our doors in North Perth and Kalamunda over nearly ten years. Here's what we've noticed about the activities that last.
Start with how you want them to feel
Most activities are sold on the skills your child will learn, and skills are great. But kids don't keep going because of skills. They keep going because of how it makes them feel. Do they come out lighter? Proud of themselves? Chatting your ear off in the car?
Before you sign up for anything, ask yourself what your kid needs more of right now. More confidence? More friends? More time away from a screen? A bit of calm after a big school day? Then look for the activity that gives them that.
Look for somewhere they can't get it wrong
A lot of kids spend their school day being marked, ranked and corrected. An after-school activity without a scoreboard gives them a real break from that.
In our classes there's no right answer. Two kids can start with the same materials and walk out with completely different creations, and both are a win. The kids who tell us "I'm not creative" on their first day are often the ones who need it most. Confidence grows when they try something new and nobody tells them they did it wrong.
Friendships matter more than you think
Seeing the same faces every week builds a sense of belonging, and for lots of kids that's the best bit. It's also a chance to make friends outside their school bubble, which can be a lifesaver for a kid who's having a tricky year in the playground.
When you're choosing, look for small groups, the same day and time each week, and a teacher who knows your child's name and what they love.
Make it work for you, too
Let's be honest. The best activity in the world won't last if it's a logistical nightmare. A few things worth checking:
Is it close to home or school?
Is it the same time every week, so it becomes part of the routine?
Can siblings do something at the same time?
If you miss a week, can you make it up?
Our members book into the same weekly spot, and if you miss a class you can rebook it in the app, so you still get all ten sessions in the term. That's an hour of screen-free fun for them, and an hour for you to grab a coffee, do the groceries in peace or simply sit in the car and breathe.
Give it four weeks
Kids need a few sessions to settle into anything new. The first week can feel a bit wobbly, and by week three they're usually running in the door. Our rule of thumb is to commit to four weeks before you decide.
That's exactly why we created Creative & Confident in 28 Days: four weeks, four classes, and an easy way to find out whether it's their thing before you commit to more.
Ready for Term classes?
If you already know your kid is going to love it, now is a great time to jump in. Members also get a free three-day Summer School in January, 20% off our school holiday programs, and discounts on parties and retail.
We've got classes for everyone, from Pee Wees at two and a half right through to teens. No experience needed, just turn up and have a go.
Not sure which class is the right fit? Message us and we'll help you find it.
Fay and the Faire & Co team
