Essential things for kids to learn

[SJE]

Hi everyone

Let me just say what a lovely group you are.
There is so much useful info in this website.

Anyway I was wondering what everyone thinks is the essential stuff kids should learn and from what age
e.g.

Swimming 12 months?
Road Safety 2 years?
Social skills (playgroup) when they're crawling?
Music of some form?
Sports?

[Carlz]

Hey, :wave:

I started my DD Swimming at 9 months & she loves it! (there are classes for babies from 3 months)

I will probably start to teach her Road safety as soon as she can understand( e.g: no. cars. dangerous etc...)

Music & social skills you can have fun with from birth.

Sports obviously when they are old enough to run around.

[Nan]

Yeah, I was going to say 6-9 months is a good time to start swimming lessons - if you can afford them!!! Laurie Lawrence (ex olympic swimming coach) highly recommends you teach your kids the basics of survival in water from infancy. He said when your child is comfortable being completely submerged underwater, they are ready for swimming lessons. Eden still fusses a bit, so I'm putting it off for a while.
Sport & music aren't essential and a lot depends on natural talent, but they are certainly fun! Team sports and games work well for younger kids. As for when to start, it is completely up to you.
I think road safety is the most essential and is taught in most primary schools, but you can also teach the basics from when kids are able to walk. Look both ways, hold hands, don't run etc etc
The only thing I would suggest would be not to overload her!! Some kids are so flat out doing stuff before they even get to school and get soooo tired. I'd say above all, keep it fun!! If she doesn't find it fun anymore, stop.
Love,
Nan. xx