My opinion on this topic vacillates and what I think is always based on my own circumstances. I love when Sophie takes classes because then I get to meet other parents, I get out of the house, I can read or go for a walk while she's in her class and it makes me feel like an involved parent (even though the classes she now takes are usually without the accompaniment of a parent). If Sophie isn't signed up for anything at the moment I then think we're such great parents because we let our child relax after school, we encourage her to be creative in finding her own modes of entertainment and she has time to play with friends.
Are kids today overscheduled? Is Sophie really benefiting from the classes? Do parents sign their kids up for so many activities because our world really is that different from when we were growing up?
And to end, a quote: “You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
This is an awesome question. I think that it is different for each family. If you have a lot of kids it's easier to overschedule because even if you have 4 kids and each is in one or two acvities it is tricky. If mom is running around like a chicken with her head cut off it is no fun for anyone. If there is no time to sit down as a family and talk and have fun and build memories then it's too much. But if it is fun for you and Sophie and she's getting the interaction she needs and it isn't interfering with school I say go for it!! I NEVER got to do anything until I got to high school and started doing choir and marching band. I never took dance or any type of sport class and I always felt rather sad about it.
ReplyDeleteSorry - one more comment. On the opposite scale from me was Rich. His mom wanted all her kids to try a number of things and then choose. Richard did so many different sports as a small child as well as gymnastics and piano. He ended up choosing piano. It was a great experience for him.
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