6 yr old clings too much to mom

Try to get her interested before you decide for her. She may feel very insecure and being 'pushed around' by those 'in charge'.  Introduce her to different experiences in the security of your home first.  See how she responds...  Do a new activity with her once, and the next time do it alone where she can 'find' you or 'see' you do it.  See if she joins you spontaneously...if she doesn't...continue making sure you DO enjoy it and if she has any questions later, answer them honestly...

You may also want to try and introduce a friend or two on her "home turf" first while doing something she may consider a challenge.  If she feels comfortable and self confident, she might not respond the way she does when she meets a crowd of children.   Not being sure of your own capabilities and talents, can be very intimidating and scary when faced with a crowd for the first time.

Children can't be fooled...  If she doesn't respond, accept that she is not interested and respect that.  Also watch her to see what DOES interest her when you just go for walks.  Pick up on that and allow her to be herself and find her own interests.  Be supportive, not demanding...  Above all, remember she is here to live and fulfil HER dreams, not yours...

G-d bless!

Nice answer, Raka!

Laura, one of the first questions that came to my mind upon reading your question is whether your daughter expressed a desire to play soccer or whether you unilaterally decided she would love to do so.

Your daughter is a child, but that doesn't mean that she lacks intelligence nor that she is without feelings.

Your job as a parent is to teach her how to think and to make decisions, so she will gradually learn to become independent.

This is all the more important if she has a personality that is slow to warm up to crowds or new situations. How will she ever learn if she cannot experience?

You must start small. As Raka said, find out what SHE is interested in or would like to do.

Once you have identified that, contact the instructor or agency responsible for the activity and ask to be put in touch with the parents of one or two other children who will be participating in the activity. Finding a child of similar temperament to join forces with your daughter will do wonders to help her through the initial phase of the activity.

Again, I caution you not to jump to conclusions as to what activity will be "fun" for your daughter and that you think she will "love."

She may be only six years old, but she is her own separate person; with her own thoughts, likes, dislikes and feelings. Encourage her to find her own path and support her on the journey.

Meanwhile, I am not saying you're doing this but I must caution you (just in case):

Please do not try to live YOUR life through HER.

P.S. Once your daughter selects an activity she wants to try and you take her to its first meeting - don't stick around to watch! Take her there, make sure she meets the adult in charge and then LEAVE!

Don't make a big deal of it, just say good-bye and let her know you'll be back at whatever time you've prearranged. (You can always give her a watch so she can keep track of when you'll return.)

Imagine yourself a six year old little girl. Not only are children experiencing separation anxiety from leaving mommy to go to school, now mommy wants her to get involved with other adults in charge of her and other chidren she does not know. When my daughter was her age I enrolled her in dance class. I went when I was little and I thought all little girls liked dance. Not. My daughter was my first child, and as such, she spend alot of time with me doing all kinds of things. I would take her to playgrounds so she could learn to interact with children but predominately our time was spent together. When I took her to dance class she would do the exact same thing your daughter did. Fold her little arms and pout. Nothing I tryed could persuade her to participate. She was her own little person and I had to accept this. So no dance class for her. I think first borns are alot more attached. Give her some time. Raka and grangma are right, you have to pay close attention to her interests and then lead her gently away from you.