Youngsters

How old should children be accepted into a club? At my place the minimum age is 6 years, but my 4-year old daughter trains with us. Partly because her big sister is in attendance, and partly because it's daddy's club!

Melissa now has a training partner A friend of ours has a 4-year old boy who comes along. The two kids get along well, are under constant supervision from their respective parents and they have a great time. Sometimes they join in with the class, sometimes they just sit and watch, or use the focus mitts with Mum.

I'm not opening the doors to under six's though. It's a one-off personal arrangement. I don't have the resources (time and experienced helpers) to run a little 'uns class. At that age they need special care and attention, and lots of fun games to play. Many schools run successful "Little Dragons" programmes which are generally set up very well. Good supervision, parental interest and a sound syllabus are essential requirements.

Being four is difficult. Too old for toddler group, too young to play with the big kids.