Trying a new club or class

Whatever the age of your child, trying a new activity or sport encourages them to be more adventurous and learn new skills.

For parents of under 5s, classes and clubs can enrich a child’s day, giving them the chance to experience many different environments and activities. Vitally, these activities also provide social stimulation for parents too.

Meanwhile, the lives of older children have been changed by modern technology, and we need to strongly encourage them to be more active and step away from their smartphone, Xbox, or PlayStation. Thankfully, there are a huge range of organised after school or weekend clubs and classes for children to attend, from pottery painting to coding.

Here are Families’ helpful tips for encouraging your child to try something new.

Target their interests A good starting point is to look at your child's current interests. Their school may offer a wide range of classes and clubs from IT to sport. Additionally, local sports centres, libraries and art centres are often teeming with opportunities to join classes and clubs. So don't be afraid to look outside the school environment for things to do.

For active kids, why not consider something more challenging, such as climbing, caving, or martial arts? Those interested in animals may find opportunities at your local zoo, petting farm or riding centre. While

for the creatively inclined, investigate an art class, reading or book club or a school newspaper or blog.

While it’s a little more difficult to assess the interests of pre-schoolers or toddlers, most enjoy song and rhyme classes or activities that involve physical activity, like pre school gymnastics or football.

Understand what's stopping them Many children can be apprehensive about new experiences, but if your child is consistently shying away from trying new activities, sit down with them and try to find out why. It could be a fear of not making friends, being bullied, low self confidence about their abilities, or being in an unfamiliar environment. Once you know the cause of their anxiety, you can help address it.

Tap into the demand factor and co ordinate with others Many children simply want to fit in, so if this is important to your child, look for new or popular activities. Our local directory can help you find potential classes and clubs that you may not know about. Try talking to other parents and see what activities their children are involved in. You could even co ordinate for your children to participate in the activity together. Simply

Swimming is a vital life skill

Learning to swim is a vital life skill which every child should experience. Swimming lessons teach children independence and give a sense of accomplishment as they feel themselves improving. Swimming offers a whole-body workout like no other, helping children to keep active whilst having fun. Notably, learning to

swim also gives children the ability to get themselves out of potentially dangerous situations, enabling them to fully enjoy trips to the seaside and beach holidays.

Everyone Active’s award winning learn to swim programme offers lessons for all ages of swimmers, from child classes starting at 4 months right through to adult

knowing that their friends are interested in a new club or class may mean your child will be keener to get involved. Emma, mum of an 8 year-old says: “It took three years at school together before I discovered that one of my daughter’s friends attended a weekly roller-disco at our local sports centre and the opportunity to do something with her friend was enough to persuade my daughter to join in.”

You could also introduce a reluctant child to an activity their sibling does, or for younger children nervous about being alone, you can attend the first session with them.

classes and are available at over 120 sites. All swimming teachers are Swim England level 2 (or equivalent) qualified. All stages are progressive and continually assessed, initially developing water confidence and then teaching children to swim.

For pre-school and toddler classes, co-ordinating with other parents in your network can feel more important than whether you feel your child will particularly enjoy an activity. Structured activities can keep your little one occupied for a while and give you a welcome chance to make friends with other parents who have children at the same age and stage.

Highlight the benefits Focus on the positive things your child will gain by taking part in a particular sport or activity. These could be a new social circle, certificates, medals or stickers, job or education opportunities in the future, greater confidence, getting fitter, or simply being with friends. After-school and weekend clubs and classes are a great way for your child to stay active and learn new things. Remember, it doesn't matter what activity your child pursues, as long as they enjoy it.