Yes. Your Kid is overscheduled.

[Anonymous]

But this goes down in the DM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since I can't say this in real life, and I am far away from the DMV, I know one kid who does so many activities I don't understand how he is functioning. We are very close with this family, carpool to school everyday and were even in a Covid pod together, so I have a very good understanding of his schedule. He does weekly language class for both French and Mandarin, is on a travel hockey team, weekly piano lessons, weekly tennis lessons, both a fall and spring sport through school and an additional winter only and then summer only sport. Plus he's expected to have straight As in 6th grade, which comes with a lot of homework. Some mornings I pick him up and he looks absolutely exhausted, I hope in the long run he is okay because I don't know how sustainable this is.

He will crush your kid

PP - I am not concerned one bit about that, I just hope he gets some downtime here and there and doesn't rebel one day. He is allowed 15 minutes twice a week of screen time, that's the extent of free time. My DS is doing just fine, outside of being able to speak 3 languages.

Sounds like he could benefit from activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, fyi, most kids do not like to be busy. Parents like to tell themselves and others that their kids love to be busy so they can justify their schedule but it isn’t true. Kids need downtime, lots of it. They need free play, lots of it. I am with OP.

Most kids I know enjoy it. My teen signs themselves up for lots of stuff.

[Anonymous]

Pick your poison. If they weren’t complaining about their kid being overscheduled, they’d be complaining they are playing too much video games.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I partly blame the culture around here -it’s hard to do any sports in a chill way regardless of age. If your kid wants to swim, they are either only swimming in the summer or they are swimming at least 3 days a week year round. And if you don’t start early enough you are “behind” so everyone wants to let their kids try a couple things out.

My oldest asks to do activities because that’s where her friends are. They aren’t available if she goes and knocks on their door. We allow less than a lot of families (my daughter is really only doing dance and Girl Scouts my son is only doing soccer and we will see if it bites us in the a*s later). It’s a balance

Why not let them do the activities they want to?

PP you are responding to and I do let them do some of the activities that they want to do. But they have to pick because I’m not willing to spend all evening every evening driving both kids around and dragging the little guys because he can’t stay home alone. I also see worse behavior when they are too busy. So one of my kids is mildly interested in swimming but I’m not willing to add 3 nights a week or something. But they get to do what they are most excited about.

And they us find for your family. But don’t expect my family to be home all the time because you need a play date.

I don’t expect anything! My kids are fine, and if they would prefer to have a few more playdates it’s hardly the end of the world. But when I’m picking my daughter up and her friend is begging to come over with my DD and one of the other girls who is walking home with us but can’t because she (the friend) has swim and then basketball I feel a little sad. I think she likes those things! But knows that she’s missing out. Honestly the only reason we continue to keep her in Girl Scouts is it’s the only social thing that some kids do and that is when she sees those girls.

Maybe the parents feel sad for your kids that they don't get the same opportunities to learn new skills. I feel sad for kids like yours who se parents are too lazy to do anything extra for them. Mine would much rather do sports or music than hang out at your house.

How rude! FYI research shows free play is far superior to organized activities. Even pickup sports are superior to organized sports. Too bad your child won’t be able to function without someone directing them all the time or telling them what to do while my kids will learn not just the sport but also how to deal with friends/neighbors/teammates etc. You can think parents who let their kids enjoy their childhood without pushing them into scheduled activities are lazy but we value something thats far more important than playing on 3-4 different teams each season.

Oh, so we are up to 4 teams per season now? Ok…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I partly blame the culture around here -it’s hard to do any sports in a chill way regardless of age. If your kid wants to swim, they are either only swimming in the summer or they are swimming at least 3 days a week year round. And if you don’t start early enough you are “behind” so everyone wants to let their kids try a couple things out.

My oldest asks to do activities because that’s where her friends are. They aren’t available if she goes and knocks on their door. We allow less than a lot of families (my daughter is really only doing dance and Girl Scouts my son is only doing soccer and we will see if it bites us in the a*s later). It’s a balance

Why not let them do the activities they want to?

PP you are responding to and I do let them do some of the activities that they want to do. But they have to pick because I’m not willing to spend all evening every evening driving both kids around and dragging the little guys because he can’t stay home alone. I also see worse behavior when they are too busy. So one of my kids is mildly interested in swimming but I’m not willing to add 3 nights a week or something. But they get to do what they are most excited about.

And they us find for your family. But don’t expect my family to be home all the time because you need a play date.

I don’t expect anything! My kids are fine, and if they would prefer to have a few more playdates it’s hardly the end of the world. But when I’m picking my daughter up and her friend is begging to come over with my DD and one of the other girls who is walking home with us but can’t because she (the friend) has swim and then basketball I feel a little sad. I think she likes those things! But knows that she’s missing out. Honestly the only reason we continue to keep her in Girl Scouts is it’s the only social thing that some kids do and that is when she sees those girls.

Maybe the parents feel sad for your kids that they don't get the same opportunities to learn new skills. I feel sad for kids like yours who se parents are too lazy to do anything extra for them. Mine would much rather do sports or music than hang out at your house.

How rude! FYI research shows free play is far superior to organized activities. Even pickup sports are superior to organized sports. Too bad your child won’t be able to function without someone directing them all the time or telling them what to do while my kids will learn not just the sport but also how to deal with friends/neighbors/teammates etc. You can think parents who let their kids enjoy their childhood without pushing them into scheduled activities are lazy but we value something thats far more important than playing on 3-4 different teams each season.

There are no pickup sports anymore. You have to join an organized activity; then the coach gives them free play time. It's not like when we were kids and showed up at the neighborhood park with a soccer ball.

[Anonymous]

This only goes down in the DM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I partly blame the culture around here -it’s hard to do any sports in a chill way regardless of age. If your kid wants to swim, they are either only swimming in the summer or they are swimming at least 3 days a week year round. And if you don’t start early enough you are “behind” so everyone wants to let their kids try a couple things out.

My oldest asks to do activities because that’s where her friends are. They aren’t available if she goes and knocks on their door. We allow less than a lot of families (my daughter is really only doing dance and Girl Scouts my son is only doing soccer and we will see if it bites us in the a*s later). It’s a balance

Why not let them do the activities they want to?

PP you are responding to and I do let them do some of the activities that they want to do. But they have to pick because I’m not willing to spend all evening every evening driving both kids around and dragging the little guys because he can’t stay home alone. I also see worse behavior when they are too busy. So one of my kids is mildly interested in swimming but I’m not willing to add 3 nights a week or something. But they get to do what they are most excited about.

And they us find for your family. But don’t expect my family to be home all the time because you need a play date.

I don’t expect anything! My kids are fine, and if they would prefer to have a few more playdates it’s hardly the end of the world. But when I’m picking my daughter up and her friend is begging to come over with my DD and one of the other girls who is walking home with us but can’t because she (the friend) has swim and then basketball I feel a little sad. I think she likes those things! But knows that she’s missing out. Honestly the only reason we continue to keep her in Girl Scouts is it’s the only social thing that some kids do and that is when she sees those girls.

Maybe the parents feel sad for your kids that they don't get the same opportunities to learn new skills. I feel sad for kids like yours who se parents are too lazy to do anything extra for them. Mine would much rather do sports or music than hang out at your house.

How rude! FYI research shows free play is far superior to organized activities. Even pickup sports are superior to organized sports. Too bad your child won’t be able to function without someone directing them all the time or telling them what to do while my kids will learn not just the sport but also how to deal with friends/neighbors/teammates etc. You can think parents who let their kids enjoy their childhood without pushing them into scheduled activities are lazy but we value something thats far more important than playing on 3-4 different teams each season.

There are no pickup sports anymore. You have to join an organized activity; then the coach gives them free play time. It's not like when we were kids and showed up at the neighborhood park with a soccer ball.

BECAUSE KIDS ARE OVERSCHEDULED. What if kids showed up in the park with a soccer ball? Would they need an adult to direct them or would they figure it out?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are you "scheduling d*mn play dates"? If your kids are so amazing, aren't they responsible enough to knock on a few doors around the neighborhood and invite people over, or ride their bike to the playground and make new friends there?

Wait, I thought kids were supposed to be bored--but you're social engineering play dates? Which is it?

If I am trying to be polite in turning down a play date request, I sometimes fib that my child has an activity conflict. That sort of white lie could be part of what’s fueling OP’s perception.

[Anonymous]

Your kids must be 6 years old. No older kid are leaving games to go to another. You don't need to schedule a damn playdate, take your own advice and let your kid be bored. I'm not babysitting your kid so you can have an afternoon off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I partly blame the culture around here -it’s hard to do any sports in a chill way regardless of age. If your kid wants to swim, they are either only swimming in the summer or they are swimming at least 3 days a week year round. And if you don’t start early enough you are “behind” so everyone wants to let their kids try a couple things out.

My oldest asks to do activities because that’s where her friends are. They aren’t available if she goes and knocks on their door. We allow less than a lot of families (my daughter is really only doing dance and Girl Scouts my son is only doing soccer and we will see if it bites us in the a*s later). It’s a balance

Why not let them do the activities they want to?

PP you are responding to and I do let them do some of the activities that they want to do. But they have to pick because I’m not willing to spend all evening every evening driving both kids around and dragging the little guys because he can’t stay home alone. I also see worse behavior when they are too busy. So one of my kids is mildly interested in swimming but I’m not willing to add 3 nights a week or something. But they get to do what they are most excited about.

And they us find for your family. But don’t expect my family to be home all the time because you need a play date.

I don’t expect anything! My kids are fine, and if they would prefer to have a few more playdates it’s hardly the end of the world. But when I’m picking my daughter up and her friend is begging to come over with my DD and one of the other girls who is walking home with us but can’t because she (the friend) has swim and then basketball I feel a little sad. I think she likes those things! But knows that she’s missing out. Honestly the only reason we continue to keep her in Girl Scouts is it’s the only social thing that some kids do and that is when she sees those girls.

Maybe the parents feel sad for your kids that they don't get the same opportunities to learn new skills. I feel sad for kids like yours who se parents are too lazy to do anything extra for them. Mine would much rather do sports or music than hang out at your house.

How rude! FYI research shows free play is far superior to organized activities. Even pickup sports are superior to organized sports. Too bad your child won’t be able to function without someone directing them all the time or telling them what to do while my kids will learn not just the sport but also how to deal with friends/neighbors/teammates etc. You can think parents who let their kids enjoy their childhood without pushing them into scheduled activities are lazy but we value something thats far more important than playing on 3-4 different teams each season.

There are no pickup sports anymore. You have to join an organized activity; then the coach gives them free play time. It's not like when we were kids and showed up at the neighborhood park with a soccer ball.

BECAUSE KIDS ARE OVERSCHEDULED. What if kids showed up in the park with a soccer ball? Would they need an adult to direct them or would they figure it out?

DP. There's a pickup soccer game every day at recess at my kid's school, so I think yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I partly blame the culture around here -it’s hard to do any sports in a chill way regardless of age. If your kid wants to swim, they are either only swimming in the summer or they are swimming at least 3 days a week year round. And if you don’t start early enough you are “behind” so everyone wants to let their kids try a couple things out.

My oldest asks to do activities because that’s where her friends are. They aren’t available if she goes and knocks on their door. We allow less than a lot of families (my daughter is really only doing dance and Girl Scouts my son is only doing soccer and we will see if it bites us in the a*s later). It’s a balance

Why not let them do the activities they want to?

PP you are responding to and I do let them do some of the activities that they want to do. But they have to pick because I’m not willing to spend all evening every evening driving both kids around and dragging the little guys because he can’t stay home alone. I also see worse behavior when they are too busy. So one of my kids is mildly interested in swimming but I’m not willing to add 3 nights a week or something. But they get to do what they are most excited about.

And they us find for your family. But don’t expect my family to be home all the time because you need a play date.

I don’t expect anything! My kids are fine, and if they would prefer to have a few more playdates it’s hardly the end of the world. But when I’m picking my daughter up and her friend is begging to come over with my DD and one of the other girls who is walking home with us but can’t because she (the friend) has swim and then basketball I feel a little sad. I think she likes those things! But knows that she’s missing out. Honestly the only reason we continue to keep her in Girl Scouts is it’s the only social thing that some kids do and that is when she sees those girls.

Maybe the parents feel sad for your kids that they don't get the same opportunities to learn new skills. I feel sad for kids like yours who se parents are too lazy to do anything extra for them. Mine would much rather do sports or music than hang out at your house.

How rude! FYI research shows free play is far superior to organized activities. Even pickup sports are superior to organized sports. Too bad your child won’t be able to function without someone directing them all the time or telling them what to do while my kids will learn not just the sport but also how to deal with friends/neighbors/teammates etc. You can think parents who let their kids enjoy their childhood without pushing them into scheduled activities are lazy but we value something thats far more important than playing on 3-4 different teams each season.

There are no pickup sports anymore. You have to join an organized activity; then the coach gives them free play time. It's not like when we were kids and showed up at the neighborhood park with a soccer ball.

BECAUSE KIDS ARE OVERSCHEDULED. What if kids showed up in the park with a soccer ball? Would they need an adult to direct them or would they figure it out?

Are you the parent of an only who can't understand some people have more than 1? All the kids at all ages can't hit the park with a ball at the same time. And even if each kid out of 3 has 1 activity that's still a lot of running around for the parent, but the individual child isn't over scheduled. I think this is the rant of a parent of a singleton who can't relate to anyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m raising the kid I was given and the kid I was given wants to be active in many sports.

He’s happy and thriving and all his activities are worth it even if it makes me tired.

Why would you be tired you’re only driving him around.

And why do these kids only play sports? Is it because it’s easy to just sign them up? Not one kid has a talent or real interest in non-sports ?

[Anonymous]

Regardless of the activities, sport or non sport, kods shouldn't be overscheduled. What's so wrong with free play?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I partly blame the culture around here -it’s hard to do any sports in a chill way regardless of age. If your kid wants to swim, they are either only swimming in the summer or they are swimming at least 3 days a week year round. And if you don’t start early enough you are “behind” so everyone wants to let their kids try a couple things out.

My oldest asks to do activities because that’s where her friends are. They aren’t available if she goes and knocks on their door. We allow less than a lot of families (my daughter is really only doing dance and Girl Scouts my son is only doing soccer and we will see if it bites us in the a*s later). It’s a balance

Why not let them do the activities they want to?

PP you are responding to and I do let them do some of the activities that they want to do. But they have to pick because I’m not willing to spend all evening every evening driving both kids around and dragging the little guys because he can’t stay home alone. I also see worse behavior when they are too busy. So one of my kids is mildly interested in swimming but I’m not willing to add 3 nights a week or something. But they get to do what they are most excited about.

And they us find for your family. But don’t expect my family to be home all the time because you need a play date.

I don’t expect anything! My kids are fine, and if they would prefer to have a few more playdates it’s hardly the end of the world. But when I’m picking my daughter up and her friend is begging to come over with my DD and one of the other girls who is walking home with us but can’t because she (the friend) has swim and then basketball I feel a little sad. I think she likes those things! But knows that she’s missing out. Honestly the only reason we continue to keep her in Girl Scouts is it’s the only social thing that some kids do and that is when she sees those girls.

Maybe the parents feel sad for your kids that they don't get the same opportunities to learn new skills. I feel sad for kids like yours who se parents are too lazy to do anything extra for them. Mine would much rather do sports or music than hang out at your house.

How rude! FYI research shows free play is far superior to organized activities. Even pickup sports are superior to organized sports. Too bad your child won’t be able to function without someone directing them all the time or telling them what to do while my kids will learn not just the sport but also how to deal with friends/neighbors/teammates etc. You can think parents who let their kids enjoy their childhood without pushing them into scheduled activities are lazy but we value something thats far more important than playing on 3-4 different teams each season.

There are no pickup sports anymore. You have to join an organized activity; then the coach gives them free play time. It's not like when we were kids and showed up at the neighborhood park with a soccer ball.

BECAUSE KIDS ARE OVERSCHEDULED. What if kids showed up in the park with a soccer ball? Would they need an adult to direct them or would they figure it out?

Yes, that is the world we live in. Adapt, and you and your kid can play soccer with each other alone in the park.