Are these too many activities for a 4yo?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would be way too much driving time for our family.

Two of these activities are walkable and the other two are a 3 min drive, so that’s not an issue.

When I was a SAHM I SO looked forward to activities for my only at the time. Gave us a schedule and something to do. You have downtime/family time on weekends. Sounds like you both would enjoy it.

I also agree this can be a manageable schedule for both parent and child if

1) there isn’t a huge logistic commitment

2) the parent has the time and flexibility to shuttle the child around and not resent being an Uber driver (I used to drive my 2 all around for different activities. I never thought the drive time was a burden. We loved the alone time in the car. Sometimes when the siblings are both in the car, I just loved being the fly on the windshield. Both are now teens w one going to college. They are both great at managing their time.)

3) the kid loves each of the activity. If she doesn’t, then it becomes a chore for both of you very quickly

4) this amounts to one activity per day that she goes to morning care. If the activities are after the nap, it actually works out great. They basically amounts to play dates. (Mine did art, instrument, ice skating during the weekday and horse back riding on Saturday mornings from 4 until 5th grade). They refused to give up any until middle school workload caught up and a few favorites emerged. So they ended up with instrument and a competitive sport they both love.

OP, I strongly support giving this a try at this age. Time is on your side to play around with scheduling and the load that is suitable for your family situation. But do make sure you keep each experience positive and fun. Even if your child shows potential in any of those, don’t give into any hype (from teachers or coaches, well meaning parents). Just keep it light and build interest. You don’t want the child to peak at 10. The best advice I have ever gotten from a youth coach when my DD started her competitive sport was to “keep her in it by making it fun. She has great potential but if you kill it, she won’t achieve that potential”.

Good luck and this is a great time for you and your kid. I miss those times dearly.

[Anonymous]

Seems like a lot to me but we both work. If you don’t, I guess one advantage is the ability to ferry her about to activities.

[Anonymous]

I quit several classes when they didn’t work. For some kids and parents this would be too much, but you can always quit if you want to try it out. For some kids it woukd be great.

[Anonymous]

That’s basically how my kids lives were at that age. We’re a busy family. The kids were barely home until dinner most weekdays. If it works, it’s fine.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here.

This would be fine for some 4yo, but others would be overscheduled.

If you're only dealing with one child's schedule, that works.

9-12 school
12.15-12.45 lunch
1-3 nap

A class after the nap would be fine, in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

I think as long as your kid has time every day for unstructured play (really unstructured, not just family activities) AND isn't getting tired or cranky or frustrated AND is genuinely excited about the activities AND isn't spending a lot of time in the car every day, it's fine. I think kids in this area often don't get a lot of real down time, where they have to (and get to) figure out what to do with themselves, and that's so important for kids. Personally, I think three activities a week is plenty, and offers a good balance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As long as both of you are ok with it, it’s fine.

this. If it works for you both and she enjoys it, it’s fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. DD gets plenty of outdoor unstructured time. Evenings before/after dinner, many mornings before preschool, one hour at preschool, and a big chunk of weekends as we prioritize hiking and backyard play dates with family and friends.

After seeing the feedback I think we might skip dance class for now and stick to the three prior activities. Drive time is not a concern. I already mentioned that the activities are close, and her preschool is also a 3-5 min drive. So she’ll get a max of 20 min car time per day.

She is an only child right now but getting a sibling in Feb. Will cut down on activities then so she can bond with her sibling. I do plan to get a FT nanny as well, so if she does want to continue all of them, it won’t be a logistical issue.

Yes she still naps. I think it’s good for kids to nap as long as they can, so I’ll continue to encourage and facilitate it until she no longer wants to (or until K starts).

Thanks all!

It seems that you should just do what works for you. Why ask a bunch of anonymous people what do to do who aren't you? My son is in child care 9-5:30 every day and still has swim twice a week and soccer on weekends. Also, he still naps and is 5, although that will go next month in preparation for Kindergarten.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you ever find yourself asking the question, then the answer is yes.

Plus a million

Less is more when they’re little. Use the extra time to read to them instead. Seriously- read to them for those 45 minutes instead of some class

[Anonymous]

We had a schedule like that and my daughter loved it. We just pulled out of 1 activity though b

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have 3 kids so that would be a lot for my 4yo. She does one ballet class per week. Her older siblings play multiple sports and have something every afternoon.

My 4yo does play dates a few times a week.

It's not a lot if it's your only kid. My 4yo is the youngest and only has one activity per week (and full-time preschool). Older sibs each have 3-4 activities per week so there is something to go to every single weekday and Saturdays. One activity per week is about all we can handle for our youngest.

[Anonymous]

It's fine. My kid is in preschool from 9-4 every day, sounds like your kid will be doing activities for far less time!

[Anonymous]

Yes, too much and too long of classes. Anything past 30 min I would consider too long for a 4 yr old

[Anonymous]

If you both are happy and healthy, then it’s fine!

Just remember that each of these activities can transmit to more commitment as they get older; so if your little one loves both dance and gymnastics, by the time they’re 9-10 it’s almost impossible to do both because each sport/activity has to require 3-4 days/week of participation for “the kids to get better”—I say this with annoyance because I think youth sports in general are out of hand, but mostly because of the “my kid has to go to karate multiple times a week so they can get the next belt” means it’s harder to try different things.

Also…if you have more kids, this schedule won’t be sustainable for them.

But otherwise, if it works for you, go for it!