Too many extra-curricular activities for kids?

By Flick Frankish

“Go Cassie, big kick! That’s it, well done!”

We have just started our first session of soccer and Cassie couldn’t be happier. She is completely in her element chasing after the balls, packing them away (her favourite part of the day) and kicking goals. It was the best decision signing her up for soccer and it happened by a happy accident.

I have never been in support of paid activities for the kiddies. I watched mums from mothers’ group taking their little ones to swimming, baby gym classes, music classes, and more, as I watched on without a care in the world. To me, it seemed like a waste of money when they were only a few months old, and where did we draw the line? Which one would she benefit most from? Where was our money best spent? These questions plagued me, so instead, I settled back into our lives and made sure I stimulated Cassie on a daily basis – for free.

Then I fell pregnant with number two and we discovered we were having a second little girl. For Daddy, this meant his dreams of having a son of his own were over. I asked Chris one of the things he would miss most, and his answer: sport. Right, I thought to myself, well sport is something girls can do too. So I signed Cassie up for soccer without a second thought and I am so glad I did. Daddy is so happy watching his little girl racing around and having fun and Cassie loves it just as much. Plus, it is the perfect activity for them to enjoy together.

Where do we draw the line?

It brings back the question of where do we draw the line? I have had people question my decision not to put Cassie into swimming lessons. I have watched mothers’ brag about how many activities they do each week with their kids, and I have nannied for families who have loaded their kids up with so many extra-curricular activities they literally have no free time. We really are so spoiled for choice these days, with so many wonderful opportunities to offer our children. That doesn’t mean we have to give them everything.

I’ve made an early decision that we will be capping Cassie’s activities. I am happy for her to explore as many as she wants over the years, but they will be during different school terms and she will have plenty of time to herself as well. If she picks an activity, she will have to see it out for the whole season/term. I want to teach her commitment and dedication, and I also want her to be able to find where her interests lie. I don’t plan on pushing her into anything.

What about the cost?

Plus – think of the expense! Each of these baby sessions are up to $20 each week, sometimes more. I can think of plenty of things to spend that money on: nappies for starters. I want to give my girls the world and I see why so many mums get caught up with the thinking that the more we give them and offer them, the better off they will be, but that isn’t always the case.

We give them choices and lead them.

We encourage them.

We teach them about dedication.

We teach them about commitment.

We leave them to find their own two feet.

Our decision

So will I be enrolling Cassie in any new activities? Not just yet. For a two year old, daycare and soccer is plenty to keep her busy, and the dirt outside preoccupies her the rest of the time. If she comes up to me in six months’ time and wants to switch from soccer to ballet, I will be here ready to listen.

PIN THIS POST FOR LATER:

Save

Save