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The KP “Been There Done That” Squad

A team of over twenty-five parents who have all sorts of parenting experiences.  Each day presents something new, somewhere we have not already been, something that we have not already done. So, why not look to someone who has?!
The KP BTDT Squad will be sharing their experiences each month.  These will be general questions that many parents will wonder about as they raise their children. The BTDT Squad will be talking about subjects like potty training, how they dealt with picky eaters, their most favourite family adventures, and how they managed to ever sleep through the night!

For more Been There Done That Squad…

Today’s post: In what program(s) are you enrolling your child(ren)?

Holly, Child A (4) Child B (2)

The two main activities for my four year old are highland dance at the Shalni Prowse School of Highland dance and swimming at TCC. I am hoping that we will start to participate in soccer this summer. We started dance so that she could have some socialization with other kids her age and she really enjoys it.  Swimming is great because we love to be near water all summer long and learning safety and a few swimming skills are essential!

Many programs aren’t geared for kids under 3 so my youngest isn’t in too much yet but we are looking forward to getting her involved in dance in September, and swimming once she is 3!

Deborah, Mom of 8 year old quadruplets, married 18 years to Pete.

Because we have 4 kids the same age, we find enrolling them in most programs cost prohibitive.  As a result, we have had to really prioritize what programs would provide the most valuable life skills for them (which is hard as there are so many activities that are very good for them).  We spend a lot of time at the lake in summer so we decided swimming was the most important for now.

In summer however, the kids have learned some very good skills in a very encouraging environment from the Athletes in Action Camp held at Cottonwood Field in August (it has run for the last 2 years).

Our kids are becoming interested in playing piano so we will look at adding this in fall.  For now, I am teaching them some rudimentary things I know.

Amanda

I have been looking into Munchkin All Stars for my 3 year old.  I like that he will be trying a variety of sports not just one, will get activity, and hopefully will work on listening and following instructions.

Gerry E. (33yrs. old), Father of two girls (3yr. old and 7yr. old)

Our 3yr. old is taking an intro class at Sista’s Love to dance studio. We also take her to drop-ins at “Strong Start” at Marion Shilling and River-City gymnastics. She will be going into soccer right away too, and will continue her swimming lessons in the summer at Brock pool

Our 7yr. old is in her second year of piano lessons with Jane Dyck. She is also just finishing her first year of minor hockey. She also will continue with her summer swimming lessons at Brock pool.

We have been keeping our girls in swimming lessons from an early age (at TRU in the winter and outdoor at Brock in the summer). We try and give them a variety and keep them going in a sports activity as well as an arts activity. In time, I am sure they will gravitate towards one or the other, but for now they enjoy every program we have put them in. There is no shortage of high-quality children’s programs in this city, there also seems  to be a genuine passion from the people who offer these programs; it is not just a “job” for them. I love this city

Tamara, I am 40, & my boys are Adam (7) & Finn (5).

We put our kids in no more than one activity at any given time (if any at all).  We’ve just finished swimming lessons, and this spring our 5 year-old is playing soccer for the first time and our 7 year-old is taking tennis lessons.  We are strong advocates of the importance of not over-scheduling.  We believe in the importance of riding bikes on the sidewalk, bouncing on our trampoline and saddling up at the kitchen counter to munch on an after-school snack and decompress (and hopefully share something from the day).

Finn’s soccer is with  Kamloops Soccer Association & Adam with the Kamloops Tennis Club.

Corinna, 33, daughter

Emily enrolled in Sparks (which is run by Girl Guides of Canada) and gymnastics (with River City Gymnastics)

Lisa, 33, son 11mo

I am enrolling my son in swimming, he’s been in swimming since he was four months and absolutely loves it.  The instructors are amazing and the kiddie pool is soo nice a warm   We are taking his swimming lessons at TCC through the city of kamloops.

Sarah three boys (6, 5 and 2)

My eldest is enrolled in Soccer (kamloops youth soccer) and my second is enrolled in soccer with the city of kamloops.
We picked soccer because my boys wanted to play.  We’ll see how they like it and then decide next year whether or not we’ll put them in again.  I wouldn’t mind trying out baseball with them at one point.

Leah

Daughter, 18, at an age to be responsible for her own registration but, I would probably help her if she asked.
Daughter, 15, soccer KYSA
Son, 13, piano lessons, Long and Mc quade, soccer KYSA;  Because soccer is a very accessible sport for most children because of affordability and popularity.
Daughter, 4, Highland dance at The Shalni Prowse school of dance, swimming lessons at the Y;  Highland dance because I thought it suited my daughter and that she would like it. (She does! And, loves Miss Shalni)

Melissa, two daughters (4, 2.5 mo)

I have enrolled her in swimming lessons throughout the last year and she loves them. My husband and I chose swimming over other sports as we believe it is more of a life skill. Her swimming lessons are with the City of Kamloops.
We attend Parent/Child Mother Goose every week with the younger daughter. I did this with my older daughter and found that it improved her language development immensely. I participate in as many Kamloops Early Literacy Initiative events as possible.

Krystal daughter (8), son (6)

My daughter skates with the Valleyview skating club as part of their junior academy program.
We love it because it is hard work that pays off when she masters a new skill. It’s a commitment for sure. We spend over 4 hours at the arena each week. In the Junior A program that can double and it’s expensive but in my opinion it’s worth every penny because of the life experience my daughter is getting.

Alison, two boys (5.5 & 3.5)

Swimming lessons (Sea Otter) through the TCC, Tot Soccer through the city. Both were great fits because of the day (both Saturday programs) and both accommodate kids aged 3.5 – under 6 so both boys can be in the same class/lesson. Not only does it encourage my youngest when he watches his big brother, but it also encourages my oldest to show his little brother how to play/take part in his lessons.

Jennnifer two daughters (4.5 and 1)

H (4.5 yrs) is enrolled in Parks and Rec swimming lessons at TCC.  She’s worked her way to up Sunfish now!  Love the lessons there and by her age, I find she’s really learning how to swim now!
H also just finished a 6-week dance class at Sista’s Love to Dance Studio.  It was great because it wasn’t a long-term committment so I could see how she liked it (and she loved it!)  Anna, the instructor there, is fantastic!
In the past I’ve done swimming for M too (1 yr old).  And we do Mother Goose throughout the year too.

About your Author | Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a Kamloops lifer. Born at RIH, she is happy to be raising her family here. Married with three wonderful children with another due in June 2013, Elizabeth is also teacher and enjoys working with parents as she learns more about this "Mommy gig". Elizabeth is passionate about parenting and enjoys networking with other parents. She has been running KamloopsParents.Com since March 2010.