Avoid the Grumps...Be Selective and Prudent

I'm a firm believer in this philosophy: Too Many Activities=Over-scheduled Kids=Grumpy Kids=Grumpy Mom!

I see it all around me: children involved in everything under the sun...piano lessons, basketball, marching band, dance, gymnastics, soccer, community theater, guitar lessons......... Not to mention school activities and homework, church activities, and family activities and responsibilities.

Society has pressured families into thinking that your children have to do EVERYTHING or they have been deprived. I admit, with the ever-increasing competition for college admittance and scholarships, it is important for children to be well-rounded and involved. HOWEVER, the key here is to be selective and prudent.  

With eight children, we cannot afford, nor can we handle multiple activities for each child. If each child were to be involved in three or four after-school activities per week, that is 24-32 activities EVERY week that Mom and Dad have to coordinate and pay for. Can I pull my hair out now? 

I have nothing against children participating in extra-curricular activities. But, I do expect them to make some hard decisions!

Here come the examples:

1. Child LOVES basketball. He also wants to play soccer. This is a possibility since the seasons are at different times. Maybe.

2. Child LOVES music. She wants to be in an after-school choir, participate in the school's musical theater program, continue piano lessons and start voice lessons. HELP! 3 out of the 4 are ongoing. One is a two month commitment which I can handle. I can accept choir. But piano AND voice? Two great things, but you need to choose between the two. Drop piano for one year and take voice. Continue to practice piano but no lessons that year. Or, if it's not a time concern but a money concern? If your child really wants to do both, she can pay for one of the activities.

3. Child wants to participate in karate and gymnastics. They are both an ongoing event all year long. Sorry, choose between the two.

4. Child is in marching band - a MAJOR time and money commitment. No other activities until marching band is over!

I like to look for unique opportunities that my children can try out, especially things that are one-time or short-term events. They get to "put their feet in the water" to try it out, without long-term commitments that tend to equal an empty pocket book. Let me share some of those opportunities with you...

Ukulele Camp

This has been one of my best finds! It was a week-long camp during the summer for two hours each day. The tuition included buy one, get the second half off. Tuition included the ukulele. They have been taught the basics and can continue to learn on their own if they so desire.

 

They also had the opportunity to perform!!

School & Church Activities
I love opportunities that take place in school and church. Generally, they don't cost much and children have the chance to strengthen relationships with friends.
Ballroom:

Drama/Musical Theater:

 Speech Competitions:

 Horseback Riding:

Swimming Lessons

It is a must in our home to learn to swim! It's once a year for two weeks; a great activity for the summer!

New Things
The kids LOVED going rock climbing at an indoor rock climbing facility. We enjoy trying fun things that bring new experience but not long-term commitment or expense.

Let's face it...too many activities causes over-scheduled kids. They become stressed and irritable. Basically, the grumps set in. When that happens, it's over for Mom and Dad. Turn it around and put YOU in charge. Get the input of the children but ultimately, you set the schedule for the family... not society, not the events, not the children. I'd like to keep my hair, thank you.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!