I know the people who say things like that are probably just saying it as an observation. I know it. It's my own insecurity that puts it in my head and makes it feel like a cutting, judgmental remark. Right?
**********************
There is something comforting to me about being on the go. I don't know what it is, but I think it started when I had severe postpartum depression, and it never really went away. Four years ago, I felt like a robot living in someone else's body, and the walls of my house were constantly closing in. We lived in a very small town, and Shepherd and I would simply go to Walmart and walk around the Christmas section to look at things, go to Sonic, or bundle up and walk around the block.
Now, I have both kids signed up for a crapload of activities. Part of it is me, wanting to be able to take advantage of every opportunity available, the other part is... Well, I guess I don't know.
Our setup right now has them both in swim lessons, not optional. Their grandparents have a pool, and I want them to learn how to swim early. They're in the same class together, so this is easy for me to just sit on the side and watch. They were given the option to pick one other activity outside of swimming. Zoey picked dance, and she goes while Shepherd is at school on Wednesdays. Shepherd wanted to learn how to ice skate, but there weren't any openings until March. So, we picked tumbling because of his needs for sensory input, and Zoey wanted to do it too. So, Zoey has 3 activities, Shepherd has 2, along with speech therapy.
I worry sometimes, mostly based on things I read, comments from others on how "busy" we must be, that I have my 3 and 4 year old "overscheduled." But the fact of the matter is they really enjoy everything we do. If they don't, we pull them out, end of story. Shepherd hated soccer. He cried and laid on the field every single game. So we gave it a couple more shots, and then didn't go back.
What are your opinions? How much is too much?
I don't think you're doing too much! Honestly in my opinion if they're happy that's all that matters and they seem very happy
ReplyDeleteRight now, both boys are in swimming. Deacon starts t-ball in the spring, but he's already signed up for it. I don't have any other plans for a bit, but I'm thinking I might put him (Deacon) in karate or something similar because he has So! Much! Energy!
ReplyDeleteI think your first part of this post is probably the most significant...
ReplyDeleteI don't think you're doing to much with them and truly, only you know if it's too much for them! Trust your gut, girl!!
And fun stuff they're doing!
xoxox
Hi again Melinda!
ReplyDeleteI nominated you for the liebster award for bloggers- check out my recent post and find out the rules!!! happy blogging!
Kelly thompson-joyandgladnessofheart.blogspot.com
I think you do fun things with your kids, which is awesome. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteAs long as the kids are happy & enjoy it, that is all that matters right?! It sounds like they get to do activities they love & that is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to say that I am always on the go with my daughter too & I went through Postpartum Anxiety/Postpartum OCD & that is when it started for me also. Being busy kept my mind off of what I was going through, it helped me get through, it gave my mind a break & over time it has just stuck & to this day I am still always on the go. We do have down time too obviously but my daughter loves going new places & we really enjoy getting out & trying new activities. It works for us!!
My kids are in a crapload of activities. It's okay. They'll be gone before you know it and you can sleep later. A warning that available activities in high school are incredible.
ReplyDeleteAndrew's got football, which is a year round activity. He has practice in the off season M-W-F until 6pm. He's active in a Scout Troop and a Venture Crew. Venture is co-ed older scouts. He's doing theater at school, tech crew for Midsummer Night's Dream. He's in the band, played at basketball games during winter. Sarah does Girl Scouts and two different dance classes. Andrew craves a high level of activity and got his best grades this fall *during* football season. Sarah stays busy, but has never been as busy.
I swore I would never let my kids do that much stuff, but here we are. As long as you're happy and the kids are happy - you're good. ;-)