Do yo think some parents revel in the amount they have to do?

[glitterytrainers]

I see this quite a lot - especially when people tell me about their weekends and after school activities. They moan about never having a minute, having to drop wee Jimmy off at this and wee Jenny to this - activities they will have signed their kids up for (who are usually not that bothered). You get the impression that if you didn't send your kids to 12 clubs a week - karate, piano, violin, extra tuition etc. that you have sometimes failed. Do they not realise that kids get to a certain age and chuck most of these things anyway?

@AufderAutobahn, I guess you're right, thank you. I don't think I do... But I guess others may have that perception of me possibly? I def don't brag as I can't see its anything to brag about. I may even be a bit evasive/embarrassed as I know many people feel strongly about these things.

I can't say I've heard people showing off about being busy, more answering honestly if asked whether they're up to much this weekend for eg.

I do agree that life feels much more rushed and full than it did when we were small. I have reflected on this a lot. I think it is in large part due to the ride of the Internet, smartphones and devices and it is much more complicated than just not doing as much. Because shops are open 24/7, amazon prime means everything can come the next day, there's no boredom - all this mooching time at home is still very interactive and connected. Without true effort it's v hard to just 'be' in an unstructured way as you could do in the 80s.

Agree.. They make their own busyness and it's not necessary. Let them crack on and get stressed and anxious.

I do agree that life feels much more rushed and full than it did when we were small. I have reflected on this a lot

@DialANumber Oh God I agree! I feel there seems to be so much more pressure now to be perfect, to ensure the children always have educational and stimulating things to do. It's not like when I was a kid and watching TV was perfectly acceptable if we couldn't go out to play as there wasn't much else to do, apart from Cubs, Brownies, etc if there were groups nearby. I doubt people would perceive you as bragging unless you do talk about it unnecessarily, which it doesn't sound like you do. I've known a couple of people who do talk about their hectic lives, but it seemed clear from their tone and pointed "I'm SOOOO busy, what about you?"they were trying to make themselves seem impressive and shame others (eg me) for not being so obviously rushed off their feet.

It's competitive parenting at its worst.

My kids did one activity each. We shared lifts with friends and neighbours. We were very laid back and let them develop at their own pace and interests. Most after school days were spent having friends round and/or watching TV.
Sometimes,it was hard to resist the temptation to be competitive but I would just ask myself...is this for them or me?
And the sheer cost of all these activities was astounding!