to think parents of dc who go to activities most nights just don't know what else to do with thm

[SunsetMojito]

I know 6 year olds who go to 3 dance classes, one music lesson, Rainbows and swimming lessons every week!

I think dc need some time to just be, or play out with their siblings or friends or hang out with their parents at home.

Dc don't need to do activities every day so I wonder if some of this need for dc to do productive, educational things stems from parents not knowing wtf else to do with them!

Thoughts?

:o

Feeling old.....

I am one of 'those' parents. I have a 1 year old and a 2 year old and I must take them out every day because I run out of ideas for things to do indoors and they get restless. Sue me :)

BlackMaryJanes, I was definitely like that too when the DC were small. I couldn't stand being cooped up at home, pre school, so we went to every activity out there.
I think it worked out well for them. They are very curious about the world and have a wide range of interests, from music and sports to art and drama. Doesn't mean they can't entertain themselves. It means they can. They compose music together or draw and paint. Not all activities are passive fillers-in of DCs time, are they. Lots help with skills that are good for life.

I regret not doing swimming lessons but there were none nearby. DC can swim - just - but will have to make an effort to go to a pool in their teens as their secondary doesn't do swimming.

I had a meeting yesterday with the owner/director of the US summer camp where DD and DSS2 went last summer and will be returning this summer. The camp offers 60+ activities ( tennis, riding, Thai kick boxing, golf, wake boarding, debating, circus, gymnastics, football, environmental science... The list is endless). We had a long conversation about the importance of getting DC to try new things without feeling self-conscious. Personally I think that the more skills a person has, and enjoys, the better - some of those skills can be social skills like team sports and others can be things one does on one's own at home.

I am not sure, it depends on the parents.

I bring my DD to activities because I want her to develop skills, however we dont overdo it and I rarely do the playcentre etc thing.

They spend quite a bit of time around the house amusing themselves and I am totally fine with that

My DD swims 6 times a week including a stupid o'clock morning session, I can assure you that this is not because I can't think of anything else to do!!

I'm actually struggling to see what your actual problem is with lots of activities, as many other have said surely it depends on the child and their ability :-/

YABU!