Kids after school activities

[chocolateroses]

Is it just me or do kids just do so many classes and activities these days? I'm feeling the pressure to match others but also thinking how I never did all that stuff and I'm ok?

Swimming, gymnastics, football, ballet, beavers, rainbows.... the list goes on. Parents seem to have so much ££££ and kids are busy doing something extra everyday.

I'm not judging, but am genuinely less of a good parent if I don't jump on this bandwagon?

I seem to be in the minority round here. My kids do swimming after school but that’s it. They’re 7 and 5. I think one more activity after school would be ok but they haven’t expressed much interest beyond the odd free taster session so we haven’t bothered. I hope I’m not hindering them by not pushing it.

Growing up, at primary school age I did Brownies, ballet, piano lessons & Sunday school, so a fair amount.

My 3 boys do:

Ds1 (11): multi-sports & photography (at school until 4.15), Scouts (7.30-9.15pm) & football Saturday & Sunday mornings.

Ds2 (8): piano lessons in school time, swimming lessons, Beavers (6.45-8.15), choir (at school until 4.15)

Ds3 (5): games club (at school until 4pm), swimming lessons & basketball (at school until 4.15)

It does take up a fair amount of time, especially as their clubs aren't always at the same time so I have to ferry them all around with me, but they still have plenty of time to have friends round/call for friends/play with toys.

One of my friends I do consider does too much with her daughters. Each girl does 2 stage schools (every Saturday), both Beavers/Cubs and Rainbows/Guides, swimming, gymnastics & 3 after-school clubs. The eldest was also part of a production at Christmas & was there, unpaid, for 6 hours plus every weekend throughout November & December. They have Merlin passes & are at theme parks every weekend when they are open. The thought of it all exhausts me & tbh the girls are not very happy & don't really know how to entertain themselves, which is sad.