How many parents out get tired of .........

[Cindy B]

I used to teach gymnastics. There were families, lets just say some parents that used the class I taught as "babysitting"...

One kid a 4 years old did, gymnastics, swimming, karate, and something else... Jeepers, creepers, the kid was only four years old! And he kept on sleeping in my class.

It broke my heart to see a burnt out four year old.

Yes, the extracurricular activities do help for college admission/scholarships. But, I beleive that kids need to be kids.

When my son is home, he reads, does logic games on the computer, puzzles, etc.

When my daughter is home, she draws, cuts, reads, and sings.


The only TV they watch is public television.

 

[disneygals]

I'm in the middle on this...3 girls 10, 8, 6

Mon: all 1 hr dance (unfortunately, 1 at a time so there from 4-7, but my kids can do homework or play with other kids)

Fri: 10 yo 2 hrs dance, 8 yo 1 hr dance

I didn't let my kids do any activity til they were 5.

All are in Girl scouts every other week, 1 on Wed, 1 on Thurs, 1 on Fri (all different leaders, so worked out this way, I hate it BUT I am no longer a leader..LOL)

So they have plenty of free time Tue-Thu and weekends, plus GS for the kids is pure social, just hard work for the leaders

My pet peeve is when the kids complain about an activity. I tell them that I'm happy to drive them anywhere, but they have to want to do it, it's not for me, I don't care if they do any activities.

However, I don't work (outside the home ) and I think those moms that work full-time deserve a medal.

Vivienne

 

[MerryPoppins]

I need to clarify something. When I said if my kids weren't involved they'd be playing video games or watching tv, I meant MY kids and not anyone elses. I don't want anyone thinking that I am saying that is what all of your kids are doing.

When my kids were younger, they were involved in less. DD only did Scouts and and dance (both one day a week) back then. DS did Scouts (and soccer for a couple of years). I let my kids tell me what is important to them. If I can wing it, we sign up. Sometimes they have to make choices. When they quit liking it, we drop out.

I don't think there is anything wrong with limiting your kids after school activities. My kids aren't involved in anything they don't want to do. They have plenty of time for homework and for friends. In fact, many of my daughter's friends are in dance with her. My kids would be shocked and devastated if we told them to quit all but one activity. If my kids and I can juggle everything without anything suffering, I think there isn't a problem. My kids are very well rounded and I like knowing that I've been a part of that.