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[quote=Anonymous]Our kids did a variety of sports and activities.  The advice I would give as an “old” parent in retrospect:

1.  Be realistic about what your family can afford in time and money costs.  You really cannot do something for one and not others.

2.  Absolutely recognize that each kid is different in talents and interests.

3.  Keep reassessing regularly; interest and ability.

4.  All activities require time commitments and you, as the parent, have to be able to assess (as best you can and in light of available advice) whether additional time is needed.  No one sits down at a piano for the first time and plays a Mozart Sonata.  There will be a million times when kids will want to do something else, and you have to be the parent.  Kids are not great at thinking long term in years.  Long term to a 9 year old is a matter of weeks.

5.  Understand what’s available where you live and what that means for further participation.  That is not just what activities and sports are around for young kids.  Think about what your kid likes and might be able to do as he/she gets older.  Again, this is something you have to keep continually reassessing.  (My oldest entered high school as a football/baseball kid.  He took a freshman choir class because it was basically the only option for him that did not also entail lots of work.  He now has his Masters in choral conducting, teaches choir and is a church choir conductor.  So - things happen along the way.)

Do spend time learning about available options.  Do think about what it takes in your area for your kid to be able to participate in sports and activities as they get into high school.   At a small school that may be very different that a medium to big school.  If your kid is going to attend a 3000 student high school, there are still only going to be 15 kids on the varsity basketball team.  Take a look on line at the sports and activities currently offered at the high school your kids will attend.  Is your kid going to be able to make a team?  Get a role in the play?  Play in the jazz band?  What does it likely take to get them to the point where they can actually do what interests them.

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