by Joanne When it comes to after school activities kids in Ottawa have many choices. It is often difficult to decide which activity to do and on which night. We don’t want to over schedule our kids but we want them to try different things with hopes that they will find something that they love to do. My kids get to pick one activity per season – Mathieu decided on Jiu Jitsu and Amélie wanted to follow in my husbands footsteps and joined the Ottawa Lions Sports for Kids programs.

My son adored his Jiu Jitsu classes – he is the perfect age for the Kinder Little Dragons program at 100% Martial Arts in Orleans. He is so proud of the skills he has learnt. In the 30 minute classes they learn various activities that encourage their balance and concentration. They also learn that fitness is hard work but can be a lot of fun. The instructors are great – they are energetic and keep the kids focused and motivated. They are also great at helping you reinforce issues you may have a home – one class the instructor overheard Mathieu complaining about the veggies we were going to eat for supper after the class. On the way out, he reminded Mathieu that he should eat all of the veggies on his plate so he can grow big and strong. That night he ate everything on his plate and was excited to let his instructor know at the next class! I don’t mind… I can use all the help I can to get them to finish their veggies!

Amélie is a runner! She takes after her father who runs marathons – she tried dance classes in the past and girl guides too but nothing compared to her session at the Ottawa Lions Sports for Kids program. She loved it – every moment. Before the program started, we headed off to Kiddy Kobbler at Place d’Orleans to get fitted for running shoes for the indoor track – she wanted special shoes just like her dad! The program is wonderful. It is held at the Terry Fox in the summer and fall and then at the Dome at Louis Riel High School in the spring and winter. The kids run around the track and do various drills to help them with their endurance. They get to try various different sports – long distance running, triple jump, long jump etc. They are currently accepting kids into the program for upcoming sessions. If you enjoy running, parents can join as well – the Parent Fit program is designed to get parents off the sidelines and running too!

We have one rule at our house when it comes to after school activities – once you sign up you can’t quit till the sessions are over…. with Little Dragons and the Ottawa Lions we never had a problem getting them out the door!

Joanne the proud mom of Amélie (8 years old) and Mathieu (5 years). She is new at blogging and you can find her at Our Money Pit.