[twinzplus3]

Oh I think it does cover both. . .thanks for clarifying. I know people that schedulet he bejeebers out of their kids. . .no time for family time whatsoever.

[tbrogan]

I do think that too many activities whether the child is public, private, or homeschooled can become unhealthy if not monitored appropriately. Some children get stressed by having too many activities whether they want to or not-some can not cope with so much mult-tasking. I think that the parents should really evaluate why the kids are involved in whatever activities (is it the kid's or parent's choice).
We, as parents, must be careful not to try to live vicariously through our children when it is to their detriment. Some parents enroll children in specific sports because they were good in the sport and never got to go to the pros or always wanted to play the sport, but couldn't because of the family's finances. Parents should be careful to protect their children's time, sanity, and choices when it comes to extra-curriculars no matter where the children are educated. Parents should also be careful to protect their own sanity and time when allowing children to participate in certain activities. However, if the child sincerely wants to participate in multiple activities and the parent(s) are capable of financing the activities and transporting the kids to and fro, then it may actually be helpful for the kid's health.

[PamalaLauren]

I agree too many activities no matter what can become a problem if not monitored. I want Kaylee to be involved in several activities but they need to be balanced out and she needs to enjoy them. I'm not going to force her to do something she hates just because I may feel it's good for her.

You also have to make sure there is a balance with school, the activities and allowing a child to be a child.

[erinellakal]

I do know kids that have way too much going on too. Gymnastics, dance, skating, probably more that i don't even know about...and this is a little girl in my daughters kindergarten class.
My kids go to swim lessons on Saturdays, thats about it....except Erin goes to catechism on Wednesday nights. She's been begging me to sign her up for gymnastics in January, but i don't want to spend an entire evening driving 35 mins to the gymn then sitting there for 45 mins and another 35 mins home. I am sure she would love it but is it nesessary?

[jmmv08]

I think it's good to involve our kids in several activities as long as there is a balance and they like or enjoy doing it.

[krasnaya]

I think it is important for children to have activites that keep them out of trouble lol. If they are accustomed to doing organised activities as youngsters, they continue them in their teenage years, and have a better balance to their lives.
In saying this, I also don't beleive that every waking moment needs to be filled. My son comes home from school in the afternoon, has a snack, and goes out to play with his friends for a couple of hours - the nights I am home. Tuesday nights he goes to Penguins - an under 8 year old first aid type activity - that he chose to do. Some times he says he does not want to go - but I beleive if you commit to an activity - you do it. That is the only weekly structured thing that he does. On the nights he is at his Nana's, he plays with his friends there.
My daughter who is 15, sails every weekend, and has the option to do any organised activity that she wishes after school. She lives away from home in a boarding situation, and it is good for her to get out and away from the girls she lives with, so any activity she wishes to do, I am happy to 'afford' lol. If she lived at home she would be sailing two nights a week, and hanging around on the couch and nagging me to roam the streets for the rest of the time. I don't think that either activity is constructive for teenagers, so applaud structured activities for this age group.

Just my 2 cents worth lol.

[fath86]

Well, my kid is not yet going to school but I would encourage her to take part on extracurricular activities but not to the point that she has no time for herself and family. I would encourage sports but one sport at a time only. It is also up to the parents to control their kid's activities as long as it is explained to them properly why you are limiting their extracurricular activities. I don't believe when people say "kids these days do whatever they want" parents still has a big role on how their kids act and behave but not to the point of being nosy.

[curiouser]

I find that some parents do push their kids to do too much extracurricular activities. I think 1-3 extracurricular activities other than school is a good amount, depending on the age of their child and the workload they already receive in school.

However, I think extracurricular activities are a great way for children to socialize, work as a team player, manage time properly, and more importantly - learn to be more responsible. I find there are huge differences in teens/adults who have had several extracurricular activities as a child to those who haven't (from my own personal meetings and experiences).

Heck, I wish my parents encouraged me to partake in more extra curricular activities as a child. =)

[Leeous]

Doing 2-3 things and regularly is a good thing it builds confidence but when it becomes too much it can reduce enjoyment.

Yet a top sports star would go on this cataegory and it made them you the are!