kids & thier activities??

[Snoopy2645]

do you guys have kids that have to be in everything seems like it is adding up but I am pulling my hair out with them sitting home all the time!!

I started my 2 youngest in gymnastics tonight & its costing me an arm & a leg!!! And this is the only thing they will do so its not like we will be spending a ton but still well they did enjoy it alot & since its winter it will give them something to do ya know

My middle dd goes to girl scouts but thats only every 2 weeks for a half hour & dont really cost anything. She also does tball in the summer & thats pretty cheap if you can make up tution in candy bar sales which we have no problem doing candy bars fly out of the box!!

So my question am I crazy having them go to gymnastics I think its great for them but it does seem like a major rip money wise dh tends to think so anyway. And my youngest will soon be 3 so I think this will be a good experince for her. So what do you guys do or did you do when you had small children with thier activities??

[Broken Arrow]

Do they like it?

My son would hate something like that, whereas my daughter would love it.

If they don't absolutely love it, I wouldn't bother.

Why not take them to a local playground instead?

[PRICEPLUS]

My daughter went to gymnastics early on and did not enjoy it too much. She found other interests. I think it is good to expose the kids to things such as gymnastics. The bottom line is your finances and what you think is best for your kids.

[fairy74]

I would say look for places (many martial arts, dance, etc...) that offer a week of free classes to see if they really like it. Also check after school programs at the different schools (public and private in your area), as well as your local parks department classes. If they absolutely love something, I'd go for it, but only one activity per season/year.

[Snoopy2645]

Well it hurts the budget but they did love it I guess I will stick to it they slept in thier leotards last night & 6yr old dd wanted to go thier instead of school this morning & I know it will do wonders for my almost 3 yr old too. We cant get her in preschool here at all thier are huge waiting lists so this will be her "thing" to get her socialising too & some of thier energy out.

[Kris10Leigh]

We have our kids choose one activity in a year. One son plays something in the spring and one in the Fall. So far that is working well for us. I certainly don't think it's necessary, but you certainly feel the pressure to put them in activities as a parent, huh? I feel like a bad parent if I don't, even though it's my personal opinion that kids need to be home and bored sometimes too! LOL! I honestly think that being bored is a learning experience! Life is not constant entertainment. On the other hand, I think teamwork is an important skill as is learning to schedule yourself and learning that people depend on you to show up to practices.

We have our 6 year old in church choir right now and that's free!

[Snoopy2645]

Well they go to church on sundays & have sundays school too so thats all really we have as a planned thing already I guess we will stick to gymnastics for now I can tell today it was a great idea. Even if it is expensive I will just be happy they arent in something else also or something more expensive.

[PrincessPerky]

Church choir rocks! free and the new season has instrumental two, which is especially great since my son prefers instrument to vocal..now DD on the other hand, next year..can't wait, (she is 3)

I am with BA, if they like it, go for it, assuming it does fit in the budget.