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Extra Curricular Activities

by Carly,

Is there nothing that puts more pressure on a parent than putting your kid in extra curricular activities? There are so many. How do you choose them? How many should each kid be in? When should they start?

Where we used to live there was millions of choices for extra curricular activities. Gymnastics, dance, karate, football, under water basket weaving (well maybe not that one) the list of them was endless. On everybody’s car there was stickers on the back of what their kids were involved in with the child’s name in the middle of the logo weather it was a team or dance. There was so much pressure and it made me feel horrible that I did not have my kids in something with stickers adorning my car. I tried to do other things like free story times at the library, community activities, and church things that are free or close to it but I still felt the pressure.

With three daughters I feel so much pressure to put them into dance. I know they would love it. The cost is just too great. Every thing times two and then one more when my youngest gets a little older, plus costumes shoes and performance fees galore.  I did a lot of research before I decided my husband and I just couldn’t have them all doing dance right now and I decided not to feel guilty anymore. There are so many things you can do with your child for free that can still enrich there life’s. Instead of a dance class we turn up the music on our house and dance dance dance. yes I know they are not getting professional training but if they are still really interested when they are a little older I will definitely reevaluate the situation and try to put them in some type of class.

Picture is from Google image creative commons

My husband and I decided that when our girls turn seven we will let them choose an instrument and have  lessons. My oldest chose the guitar and has been in lessons for about three months and loves her lessons. This works well for us. She is doing so well and loves to play with her dad who knows how to play the guitar. My younger daughter is very excited for when she turns seven to pick her instrument. It gives her something to think about and look forward too.

I guess all you can do about these extra curricular activity decisions is to do what works best for you and your family.

What extra curricular activities do your children love?

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Carly is a contributing writer for Mommy Moment. She has 3 very dramatic but beautiful girls ages 7, 4, and 1. Carly loves to write, cook, and connect with other moms through this crazy thing called blogging! See what she has been up to over at www.livingthescream.com

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Carly

Wednesday 17th of November 2010

I love all your feedback! I also love the city run programs Gwen They are much cheaper and kids love them.

Gwen

Wednesday 17th of November 2010

I have three daughters, too. We started activities when they turned three. My rule was 2 sctivities at a time, but now I am finding that to be too much for both me and the children. I have recently decided that there will be no organized activities between January and April...I need a break!

I have always signed my children up for city-run programs. They are less expensive, and good enough for young children.

The Brandt Family

Wednesday 17th of November 2010

Right now the major activity our kids (ages 4 & 2) are involved in is their swimming lessons.We do story hour at the library and we have a playgroup at our church once a week.

My sister-in-law has 4 kids. one is into swimming hard core, the other into gymnastics hard core (3 practices a week!) one in ringette and the yougest isn't in anything yet.

She picks them up from school most days and only gets home after 7:30. Then they still have to have supper and do homework!

I couldn't imagine that!

Ana B

Wednesday 17th of November 2010

My daughter is only 22 months, but I'm always thinking about this already. Since the finances are tight, I'm thinking I might have to do things myself with her. I might just get some ballet DVDs (she already loves ballet and gymnastics) for dance. We do want to get a piano though because she is showing extreme interest, she actually plays notes and sort of a scale (not just banging on the keys). Since I've had 10 years of piano lessons myself, I can teach her a thing or two! Otherwise we'll probably wait until she is older as well when she can choose one activity she wants to do.

musicalmary

Wednesday 17th of November 2010

Kids can get so overloaded. My nine year old daughter just takes piano lessons (and loves them). My five year old plays tball. He has Bern baseball obsessed since the beginning of time. No scouts, dance, soccer,etc... for them. Life is too short to be constantly scheduled!