after-school activities - how much is too much?

• If your child is starting school for the first time, let them settle in to their changed routine before taking on extra activities. 

• Find something they’re passionate about – don’t ‘flog a dead horse’ if they’re really not keen on practicing that instrument or learning those Irish Dancing steps. 

• Choose activities you can maintain as they get older – it’s cute to enrol a five-year-old in ballet, but make sure you’re comfortable with the increasing expenses and time commitment for upper levels to avoid disappointment later. 

• Buy equipment and uniforms second-hand until you’re sure they’re going to stick at it.  Young children like having a go at a variety of activities.

• Try to find a balance between physical activity and musical, artistic or dramatic or other pursuits.    

• Be led by your child’s interests – avoid the temptation to re-live your childhood, or to assume that they’ll love something, just because their older sibling is great at it.

• Adopt a ‘fun’ mindset from the start and remove pressure to perform – remember that their prowess or otherwise is not a reflection on you, but your performance on the sidelines will reflect on them.

• Look carefully at the proposed schedule for the week.  Does it work?  Can you afford it?  Is there plenty of ‘down-time’ for the children to rest, play and fit in homework?  Is there space in the schedule for you and your interests?  Families thrive when everyone is catered for.