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Finding activities for the kids is a challenge
If you are like me finding good activities for your kids is a challenge. Some are just too darn expensive. It's hard enought to pay for one child, much less two or three. This is more complicated by the fact that I work so activity options are pretty much limited to nights and weekends. I am always amazed how many activities take place on Tuesday's at 9am. I don't just want to send my kids to activities. I want to be able to go with them. Now imagine trying to find activities for a child with special needs. It is all but impossible. While school is out my 9 year old daughter is bored to tears and I haven't been able to find anything for her to participate in, even if money were not an issue. I would love to find a dance, art or swimming program that would be willing to have her participate. Typical classes of this kind just aren't geared for kids with special needs. She needs more time and more help than the average instructor is able to give. In acoomunity our size I am just surprised that there are not more options. If you know of something i am missing, please share! 4 comments from 4 users
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posted by
kevinmorrison
on Jul 18, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I've been thinking about that lately... how expensive activities are. I've also learned that sometimes "simple" is all my kids want. I think I impose my own adult desires for what I think are cool activities on my kids, when all they really want is to be running around pretty much doing their own thing. My kids are happiest at the park running around with other kids. We do the organized activities when we can, when the schedule and finances allow, but it's just not always possible. I realize I completely did NOT answer your quesitons, but your post got me thinking more about what my kids want, opposed to what I think they want. There is a need for the organized stuff, too, for cultivating the social and other important skills. I'm not downplaying those. We're crazy busy with them ourselves. What are your special needs? I can do some checking at the places we're involved with. posted by
Mom2CandC
on Jul 18, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Not knowing what your child's special needs are, I would suggest contacting Kern Regional Center for some ideas. I found they have the Hearts Connection (a parent support group) that is awesome! I did a ton of research while in the Psychology and Sociology program at CSU,Bakersfield and they had a ton of resources - not to mention a great library to help with research! Sorry I can't be of more help...but, would think that if you contact them, they would be happy to assist. Good luck! posted by
smcgrath
on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I am not sure what kind of special needs your daughter has, but gymnastics at American Kids might be an option. It is a little pricy, but tons of fun for the kids. My daughter goes there, and while she is not a special needs child, she is fairly high strung and they manage her well. Infact, since she has been going her behaviors have improved and she is much more patient. She has learned to take turns and learned how to be part of a team. I have noticed several children there with various levels of speical needs and they all seem to be thriving. It would fit the evening and weekend schedule, having classes on Saturdays and every night until about 7:00. They offer more than just gymnastics, like dance, swim, tumbling, and cheer. Just something to think about..... posted by
bushelandapeck
on Jul 19, 2008 at 02:42 PM
I think My Gym has financial aide sometimes for children with special needs - don't quote me on this - but I do believe they fund raise for the children and families.
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