Extracurricular activities

I’m learning that extracurricular activities are a huge part of kids lives, at least where I live.

It seems like some kids are in camps, on teams, have practices in various things constantly.

I’m not saying that’s bad, I guess I’m just trying ot figure out what’s best for us. I want to find a good balance between keeping busy and having plenty of time for spontaneity and free time. It is a childhood afterall!

Ella was in soccer for the first part of the summer. Some of these activities seem to fly by though. This was one of those – just a four week course by our local Parks and Rec. When that ended she had a little time off then started gymnastics, which is only one day a week for an hour but about 8 weeks long. We are almost through with that. And now we’re thinking about dance class again. We did ballet through the Parks and Rec last year and Ella really liked that. So I am considering another dance class – but this time tap/hip hop but it would actually last all year long. Much more of a commitment. A lot more money too!

But I know now that she likes dance so I think she would stick with it. Plus a friend from school would be in the class which is a lot of fun for her and me.

But now she says she wants to keep up with gymnastics. I think that would be too much though. Dance, gymnastics and preschool 3 times a week! Not to mention I work 2 days a week, so we would have to pack most stuff in those other three days.

I would love for her to try tennis at some point too. Tennis is a sport you can easily continue in adulthood if you really like it. Now doesn’t seem like the right time though.

Anyway, just mulling it all over. I wonder how other parents decide. Do most parents try a little of everything until they find what their kid likes the best? How much is too much? Is one thing at a time a good pace?