sorta old topic but i think extra curricular classes are quite important for their growth. i dont think you should view it as taking away from his childhood unless maybe all those classes are tutoring haha. we signed up for a bunch of trial classes and let my son make the decisions as its his time (well parents too as we need to taxi around), but once he decides we demand commitment at least for 6 months. then relook at if they want to continue. normally they make tons of friends and have a great time. if you have the funds, good to let him socialise and learn outside of school.