This week is going to be full of “Ask the Young Mommy readers” posts, because, well, I like hearing from you. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – you all make my blog worth writing and worth reading. Thank you so much!
So here’s today’s question: How busy are your kids?
I ask because I’m signing my daughter up for her first class. She’s almost 3. I feel bad that she hasn’t been in anything yet, because every other mom I know either had their kid in swimming lessons or music class, or art or ballet or baby gymnastics or SOMETHING. I feel like a slacker already.
But I didn’t see much point in dragging her to all these classes when she could barely stand up straight, much less follow directions. We did little educational things together on the weekends, but nothing we had to pay more than $20 for.
So I ask: how busy are your kids? Did they get busier the older they got? Do you believe kids need to be involved in classes and lessons from an early age? Do you think it’s a waste of money? Share your thoughts!
I didnt put my daughter in anything til around 4-5 yrs old. I thought learning to swim was something important to learn so we started with that. We made good use of our local community recreation centre which offered many programs at low cost or free. I am a single parent, so I found that giving my child different outlets to gain new experiences and skills an asset to our family and her development. I still think there should be some sort of a limit,there are some parents who tend to go overboard and place their kids in very competitive sports and other intense activities to the point they are running from one program to the next. I choose wisely and focus on activities that i think will build her self esteem.
well, since i’m a SAHM, i had my daughter pretty involved so that she had some socialization. we did gymnastics, music, and dance class. since she was young, they were either mommy-and-me classes or used pretty free-form instructions. she loved them all. now the twins…idk if they will do as much since they entertain each other (lol), but i will definitely put them in at least 2 things sometime after they turn 1 yr. old.
i actually struggle a lot with this. part of me looks at other kids doing activities and thinks, my toddler could do that, she’d love it! and she would. but, is it worth the money? right now, my husband and i work full time, so it would add a LOT to an already busy schedule to do a class (or two!) a week with the kids. plus, our goal is paying down debt, so signing up just seems too expensive. i think i’ll wait until the toddler is 4 or 5, and if that scars for her life, then i’ll have raised a snotty brat child and that’s a whole other issue.
anyways, my answer is no. not going to do it. too expensive and too much to take on. also, have you noticed that evening prices are a LOT higher than weekday prices? wth?!
@Erin – Yeah, cost was a factor for me, but also time as well. After working for 40+ hours a week, we usually relax together as a family on the weekends, with one outing scheduled (zoo, library, park, etc.) They go to daycare, so they are able to socialize. I just sometimes feel like my kids are missing out, but then again, I do think they’re smart for their age. Oh well, you never really know, do you?
I love to hear about other young moms! I’m 23 and a mom to an eight year old.
Our rule is that she can choose one thing to do at a time. Right now she’s in gymnastics. Once the season ends, she can stay in gymnastics or choose something else, but we’re only doing one thing at a time! I can’t handle running all over the place to get to kid classes! I’d go nuts.
Jenn @ buildingmommymuscles.blogspot.com