extracurricular activities

I hear about all these other parents who run from activity to activity.  Lots of planned activities.  Lots of sports.  Lot of organization.  I use to be one of those parents.  At one point Ladybug was enrolled in Tae Kwon Do, swimming, and gymnastics.  At the same time.  Gymnastics on Saturday.  Swimming on Tuesday and Thursday.  Tae Kwon Do on Monday and Friday.  We were on the go all the time.  And she was 3.

Now?  Nothing. 

It is not that I have made a decision to not have her involved with these things.  It just sort of happened. 

Ladybug out grew her gymnastics school.  It was a great school.  And it worked well for her.  For a while. They let the kids work at their own pace.  They encouraged the kids to do what they wanted.  But then Ladybug's behaviors became pronounced.  She spent most of class hiding or running to a station that was not available.  I decided she needed more structure.  So we left gymnastics (after about 4 years).

I loved her swimming lessons.  She progressed quickly.  She gained confidence.  And it tired her out.  She was really picky about the instructors - which changed a lot.  Sometimes she out right refused to be in class if certain teachers were teaching.  But then we moved.  It was a community pool and we no longer lived in the town so it was not available to us (we left after about 1.5 years).  I have found a local organization and she is asking for lessons, again.

I signed her up for Tae Kwon Do because I thought a little discipline would be good for her.  And it was.  She completely respected her instructors.  She learned quickly.  But while the design of the class meant she learned quickly, it also meant she had a lot of time to goof off.  As she started to go downhill with her attitude in the class I decided it was time to pull her out (after 1 year).  I have found a new place just around the corner from our house -- but it will cost me nearly $200/month.

Never mind the time, who has the money for this stuff?

I did get a note home from the school saying they are starting a drama club.  Drama?  My child?  Could there be a better match?  But they provided no real information -- like which grades can join.  So I wait for more information.  I think she would love it...if she could remain focused.

I don't want to be running around like a chicken with no head.  But I do think that therapy should not be her only extracurricular activity.

Mean Mama