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Sep. 12, 2008
Extra Activities, Helping or Hindering?
 This week's Heart of the Matter Friday Meme topic is to share about our children's extra- curricular activities and to tell if they are a help or a hindrance in our lives..... I have always been pretty careful not to overschedule. Now that I'm working for TOS, this is even more important, as I have less time in my day. Way back when we started our homeschooling adventure, in the days before Gracie and Ian, when it was just Ashley and I, we joined the local homeschool co-op. I must say that, though I was longin for fellowship, I was sorely disappointed. For several months, we went to that co-op every Monday, and it took up a good chunk of our day. I began to feel like the co-op was a waste of our time - the classes that were offered weren't really very interesting and it was taking away from our Monday's at home. Since that time, we have not participated with the local homeschool group for more than just an occasional gym class, which I also found "not for us".
The girls both take piano lessons. Last year, they were on Thursday mornings at 10. This year, they have been moved to Wednesday mornings, at the same time. 10 seemed a good time of day, as my girls aren't very productive before that time anyway. This year, though, with my conference calls for work falling Wednesday afternoons at 1, we only have a short time to really crack down on school between the two things. So, Wednesdays are going to prove to be our stressful days, I'm afraid.
We are also looking into joining a homeschool group in a neighboring county. I will not join another co-op at this time (after our previous experience) but I would like for the girls to have opportunity to make some new friends. I will be very cautious to only schedule us for things that fit into our schedule.
Our church youth group meets on Sunday nights, as hasn't been a problem. Brian and Ashley usually go together, which is nice. Our church is in the process of starting up a children's program on Wednesday nights. I will want Gracie to participate, though it will just be "one more thing" to add to our already crazy Wednesday schedule. Oh well. I guess it's best to get it all overwith in one day, right?
I know people that go and go and go. I don't mind being on the go occasionally (I actually like it sometimes), but I think you can get your children involved in too much. I've often heard people say that they limit their children to one extra-curricular activity at a time. Sounds reasonable to me.
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Sep. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by quietcajun
yes, when they were little outside activities were okay, but as they became older I wanted to homeschool NOT carschool so we have had to pull WAAAAY back on outside commitments. I am happier and more relaxed. I now wish we had always lived this way!
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Sep. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by billberna
I think you are wise in keeping things limited. Since Wednesday will be your stress day, maybe you cam do some creative planning to make that time go more smoothly. I know with our new Tuesday activity this year (P.E.) we have to do some extra planning so that it remain a blessing to us, and not a source of stress. This past Tuesday didn't turn out so great for me because I wasn't prepared. I will figure out a way to make it work out better, as I am sure you will.
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Sep. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by leahlovesebooks
I know, I almost hate posting our schedule because on "paper" it looks crazy. We did not have a schedule like this until the kids were older. Basically we are home all morning-afternoon then run in the evenings. Since Joel works 2nd shift this works well for us. If he were home at night it would be a whole other story;-)
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Sep. 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by SandBetweenMyToes
Sounds like you all are pretty low key for now. My younger girls have only participated in Awanas on Wed., and occasionally a homeschool field trip. This year, though, we added ballet for Daniella on Tues. nights (35 min. drive each way), and horseback riding lessons for Marissa on Friday evenings. Daniella is actually taking them for 6 or 8 weeks, then will stop for the winter. Marissa will contiue as the weather permits. They will also do a month long Christmas craft/cooking class once a week in Nov. Only problem, they're on 2 different days of the week! Ugh. It's can be hard to find balance in some seasons.
I've enjoyed reading your other posts, as well. We're Waltons fans around here. We watch an episode one night a week, usually.
Letitia
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