Dawning of the Age of Extracurriculars

             So...It's finally happening. Myka has reached the age where she can actually participate in “extracurricular activities”. I've been looking forward to this for awhile, but I still have mixed feelings about it.

             It makes me kind of sad because that means she is getting older. :( On the other hand, I'm kind of glad because I think organized activities with other kids will be good for her for multiple reasons.

             First of all, there is obviously the social aspect. If you didn't already know, we homeschool, so she could definitely use some more social interaction with kids her age. We used to go to music class and storytime at the library pretty regularly before the baby, but so far we haven't made it for either because it's just so early for us to be able to get there on time! (For the record, we have been to the library other days since the baby was born.) I already struggled before with just two kids! We also go to nature school occasionally and have play dates with friends even less often as well as make it to park days for the homeschool groups around here, so she could definitely stand some more social interaction! I know, totally my own fault, but I am trying!

             Second, Myka could also stand some more structured activities. I'm all about free play, but she REALLY needs to start working more on learning to follow directions. Like I tell my husband all the time, I don't think it's that she doesn't understand how to follow directions, she just refuses to. Because she's stubborn. She is definitely one of those kids that listens to other adults better than her parents. ;) I believe the nice way to put it is “strong willed”. Ha ha

             So, yah. I think it will be good for her to learn something new she already seems to enjoy (we've been having lots of “dance parties” at home lately ha ha) in a structured atmosphere (while still having fun, of course), practice following directions, pick up on some social skills interacting with other kids, and...getting some time away from arguing with her younger sister. ;)

             I'm not sure how good all of this will be for my sanity, though. It's so hard for me to get them all out of the house by myself. (Who am I kidding? It's hard with my husband too!) I have Myka signed up for dance class this summer, which will be in the evening around the time that baby gets all clingy. She has also informed me that she wants to do swim lessons again, which I'm glad, but I'm sure the week she has them will be during dance class time too, so we will end up going two places one day. :/

             She also says she wants to do “real soccer”, so I agreed that she could try it out in the fall since spring soccer is already in full swing. At least I should get a month long break between dance class and soccer! I definitely don't want or plan on becoming one of those families who is constantly running kids around from one activity to another, but I feel like it's important and beneficial for kids to try things out.

Are your kids involved in lots of activities, or do you limit them?