How much is too much?

Question

my son is 5 going on 6 he plays t-ball (GO YANKEES) and also takes swim lessons he wants to take an art class and sign up for soccer so how do i determine how much is too much for him or do you think i should let him make these decisions to sign up for absolutly everything?

Answer 1

I think if you schedule it right it won't be too much. T-ball in the spring, swimming in the summer and soccer in the fall. As far as art goes I'd look into summer programs from historical societies, or the town. They might have a couple of programs that are just a week or two. When he is starting school, too much will make you nuts, with homework, dinner after school activity every day.

Answer 2

You need to decide how much is right for him.... structured activities are great for kids, but they also need unstructured time so they can learn how to entertain themselves and how to be happy people all by themselves.

I limit my kids to two activities at a time..... soccer and scouting, dance and kung fu, skating and baseball.... then they can try new activities at different times of the year... it also helps them to avoid growing tired of doing all the same activites all the time.

With three kids we have quite a bit of structured time so on weekends and after school, when there is nowhere we need to go, I encourage my kids to think of something to do on their own.... they are really getting good at coming up with fun ideas, like board games, rollerblading, bicycling, calling friends, going for walks, swimming and taking familiy hikes.

You need to help your son learn to make these decisions, by leading him through the process for a while before asking him how he should use his time.

Answer 3

ya hobbies are great so if you're fine with it then just let him try it all out and see what he likes best... this is good for young kids but once they get older(teens) you should make them pick only one or two things because they will already have so much to do with school and friends. sports and hobbies also help make your child feel special... I sure wish I had done more when I was younger cuz I have no special talents or anything now...

Answer 4

It is not good to be involved in so many activities at his age. He needs time to just daydream, or play alone to de-accelerate from being around others. And isn't it too much for you to do the running ? (chauffeuring)
When you have more children, will you be running that many more direction?
If he were to be an inventor, he'd need time to sit and think, not dash here and there.

Answer 5

Just thank your lucky stars, that you can do all that. And of course he enjoys it. I am a single parent, that can not afford, gymnastics, soccer, even if I had the money , I work and could not take my daughter to games & practice.

Answer 6

I THINK IT'S A GOOD THING FOR A CHILD TO BE ACTIVE AND NOT JUST SIT AROUND LOOKING AT TELEVISION. I THINK THAT IF HE GETS TIRED OF DOING SOMETHING HE WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO SAY SO. ALWAYS ASK HIM WHAT HE LIKES, AND DON'T MAKE A BIG DEAL ABOUT IT. HE WILL EVENTUALLY QUIT ANY ACTIVITY ON HIS OWN THAT HE BECOMES BORED WITH. HOPE I HELPED!!!

Answer 7

unless you are a stay at home mom, i would say limit his activities. it is good that he wants to join all the sports and such, but he needs time with family as well. he will start first grade soon and then he can do activities at school.

Answer 8

You are the mother so act in that manner. A 5yo can not think through their actions but needs guidance.

Answer 9

i think if you can afford all of these classes and your son is interested in taking them then that is a great idea, i think it will help and promote good communication skills and will help them get along with other children

Answer 10

If he WANTS to do all these things and you can afford to spend the time and money on them, I say go for it. It would be different if you were forcing him to participate. Then I would say to back off.