Do your DC do a gazillion extra curricular activities because they want to, or because there's peer pressure to do them, or because you want them to?

[OvenChick]

It's said a lot on here that children now do so many extra clubs and have hardly any down time. I want to understand a bit more about this now, as I have a baby and am thinking ahead to primary school years.

Is it just that it's the norm for children to do so many extra curricular activities and therefore kids would be weird for not doing them? Or is it that parents are encouraging them? Or is it something else?

(I went to Brownies and then Guides...that was it! Mid nineties to mid noughties. And even then I often wished I could just stay at home).

Mine both did swimming until squad level. Hated the comp focus, so stopped.

My DC are allowed/ expected to do one extra curricular activity. DD does dance, and DS does Scouts. I think it's important to do extras as it gives a peer group and interest outside of school, plus I never had the chance to do any of it. But, there has to be a limit due to cost/time. Both have thrived from having an extra curricular that they love. I'll admit I love it's not a team sport I have to stand around at every weekend!

It does get difficult to manage and it's one reason I can only work part time. But both DC are ND and these activities do far more than therapies in an office have ever done. Both have had teachers & therapists comment on their improvements in some areas since starting their activities.

My DD would do something very night of the week if she could… she is very sporty. DS loves football and plays multiple times a week and we go the gym together once a week - more in hols