What is the Balance of Extracurricular Activities?

   I'll admit it; the idea of entering a new stage life with our first school-age child is all but consuming my thoughts right now.  I know I’m probably being a bit dramatic, but it just seems too soon!  I’ve done quite a bit of reminiscing this summer and I’m just not ready to be missing one of my kiddos during the day!  Sure, we’ve had plenty of tough and exhausting days with three children born in a little over three years, but it has also been a very sweet time, and now we’ll only have a few hours each day where we can all be together.  A very few precious hours…It’s got me thinking.

    How are we going to fill those hours?  Until now, except for last spring, we seemed to have more or less wide open days.  We were never overscheduled.  Then, through a variety of circumstances, we ended up at two different preschools at opposite times of the day on mostly different days of the week.  Add to that MOPS meetings and a weekly dance lesson and we were busier than we should have been.  Now, we stand to be even busier and I have to wonder, how much is too much?

    As we left swim lessons last week, a mom walked by me and sighed as she said, “Nothing like going from one activity to another.”  I could tell she was tired and I guessed she was wishing she didn’t have to be on the go so much.  I couldn’t help but wonder if that is a common feeling among parents of school age children.

    At school registration, I noticed a table set up presenting a variety of after school activities for the students.  Also, in the paperwork given to me was a list of all the sports available to children as young as four.  The thing is they all look like good activities that would be lots of fun and educational. 

    We already have our daughter signed up for two activities.  One will be weekly throughout the year while the other is only a six week commitment.  Since she will be going to school full day, I’m worried that even that may be too much.  However, I’m wondering if I’m being selfish.  After all, part of the reason that I don’t want her to be involved in too many activities is that I want to see her! 

    So, I ask, do you think extracurricular activities are important?  If so, how important?  Now, I know that much depends on each family's situation and  each child, but I'd still love to know how you've found balance in your family.  Isn’t down time just as important as all of those wonderful activities?  Tell me what you think!

    You can read more about choosing extracurricular activities here at KCParent.com.