My guys are thriving in tennis and switching to private lessons this fall. They also have a reading coach 2x per week. Is it realistic to add anything else? They want another sport (hockey or soccer) and I want them to start an instrument. What do you think?
It depends on what works for your family.
My daughter, during the school year, was going to Karate 2x/week, swimming 1x, piano lesson 1x, theater 1x. It worked OK for us.
If schoolwork or family life suffers, it's too much.
Having one son simplifies things - we're not juggling multiple interests/schedules.
Our rule is - no more than 2 things going at once.
One of them has to be a physical activity to keep him moving and off the couch.
We've got taekwondo and band - and band will really be ramping up on performances next year.
During the school year it's all we can handle while keeping up with the home work/projects and getting enough sleep (my son's 12 and growing and he needs 9+ hours sleep a night - I won't compromise on this).
I have 1 child, 16 yr old daughter. It depends on what you can afford reasonably, what your child can handle reasonably.
We are full into the cheer squad, it's time consuming and costly. Daughter is in mostly AP and Honors classes. At this point, entering Jr year, she's never had to crack a book at home to maintain her high grades. If that were to change, we'd look at things differently. #1 would be study time at home. God only knows how shed do if she studied. She gives her academics #1 priority and cheer is right up there with it.
Depends on your family and what you can afford financially and timewise.
I think activities are great, so long as kids still have enough down time to relax & just be kids, time for school work, and time for family & friends. Kids nowadays are extremely overloaded & overscheduled, and I don't really think a kid needs to be in 4 different activities, personally. My DD is 5, will be starting full day Kindergarten next month, and we are going to start out with one activity, and see how she does. I do think it depends on the kid, the family, and the financial situation. I also think the kids should get a say in what they're participating in, rather than being forced to partake in something they're not interested in.
I have 4 kids, so we limit it to 2 activities per child at a time, it's all I can manage. In a year or so when DD moves on to competitions for gymnastics and has meets on top of practice 3 days a week, that's gonna be it for her until she's in high school, but she's only 8. (and before anyone complains, she can quit gymnastics anytime she wants, it scares me to death, but she loves it and is REALLY good)
I would say that you need to account for their ages, the times and days of the activities, is tennis once a week, on weekends, ect. and what activities they do together you need a day or two every week when you can all be home and relax and just be a family.
I think keeping kids busy with different activities is good because it keeps their mind active and keeps them out of trouble. I think if you can afford the fees then what ever you want to add is okay.
My girls usually do one each athletic, and cultural. I don't find two activities too hard. (It's now becoming 4! Since each girl does different things!) I would pick one other to add. Just my opinion! Also, While hockey is awesome, it is a) expensive and b) a very hectic schedule! They usually practice early in the mornings and weekends as well as games.All 5 of my nephews do it. So I think that's a huge commitment! I think you will be able to see what work and doesn't. If the grades slip, or they seem exhausted all the time or aren't enjoying themselves, it's time to cut back! Good luck, and have fun w/it! :)
