Weekend activities and extra curricular

[MtnBikeChick]

My DSs are 6 and 9. I am feeling worried and guilty that we don't do enough extra curricular and weekend activities. They say they just want to play at home and to be honest my husband and I need low key weekends to re charge. The eldest does do football at the weekends but the little one isn't interested in doing anything - just wants to stay home and play Lego! In summer they are in the garden a lot. They are in a fairly intense London prep school with everyone doing loads of after school clubs and activities but they just don't seem to care. Why do I feel guilty?! None of this is going to matter is it?!

You are right, none of it will matter. If they were glued to screens all weekend (I'm looking at you, teen DS) it might be a concern, but Lego and the garden? They'll be fine

Personally, I think there is something really positive about having friends from outside school. A different set of dc to mix with, socialise with. It means school friendships aren't so intense. It means your dc mix with more dc from different backgrounds. I think particularly when your dc are at a prep school, they can get a pretty narrow view of the world if they don't mix with other dc.
I also think it is great to have dc who are able to entertain themselves, and to cope with 'being bored' sometimes. A real skill some dc never get to experience.
So it's a balance.
I would ALWAYS encourage parents to ensure their dc can swim.