I’m having a hard time keeping my family organized and on track through the web of weekly activities. I never wanted to be one of “those” mothers. The type to sign their kids up for any and all activities to “keep them busy” at the expense of just letting them be kids. No. Never wanted that. But here I am.
This is our typical week for the next few months;
The Youngest
- hockey x 2
- music x 1
The Eldest
- hockey x 2 or 3 depending on the week
- soccer x 2 or 3 depending on the week
- music x 1
The Husband
- hockey x 1
- coaching both boy’s hockey teams = 4
- coaching Eldest’s soccer team = 2 or 3
Me
- blogging (oh, and in case you think I’m the one with too much time on my hands, don’t forget packing snacks & lunches, tidying up constantly, helping with homework, grocery shopping, cooking & all general family administration i.e. booking appointments, bill paying, school relations, after-school care arranging, etc . . . you know, all the fun stuff)
Fortunately I’m a pretty organized person, because you can imagine, or know first hand yourself, what’s involved to ensure everyone gets to the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment and a full belly.
But it’s what they all want to be doing. They asked to be registered. No one is forcing anyone into said activities. In fact, there would surely be some tears if I got up tomorrow and announced “okay – we’re way too busy. You’re all going to have to drop something.” Particularly The Eldest. He lives for sports. He would very likely die without them. No seriously. I think he would.
But somewhere in there we need to fit in school work, sleeping and family time. Separate meals at the drive-through are starting to replace eating dinner together at the kitchen table. Which is something we’re really big on. I think it’s important. Those few minutes once a day were we’re all in the same place with the TV off, and can talk to each other face to face.
So hopefully the small sacrifices of today will be the big victories of tomorrow. And I really hope those victories come in the form of a professional sports contract, a big fat stinkin’ sports scholarship, or at the very least, keeping my kids healthy and off the streets and the drugs.
7 Responses to “We’re Overextended”
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October 30th, 2009 at 6:52 am
I too find myself very over extended, but I have the answer for you, and it really works for me, That is WINE and lots of it sister!!!!!!!
October 30th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I’m with you… my youngest, my daughter – her schedule has taken over my life. She has soccer four days a week (she plays on two teams) and gymnastics two days a week. Add to this she has tutoring two days a week after school because she has dyslexia and my head is spinning. My older child, my son, in now in jr. high. He has dropped sports and added band. Thankfully, that takes place during the school day. The band really encourages private lessons which I’m willing to do. But, honestly, when he declined to take me up on that offer, I almost collapsed into a heap with relief. Because jr. high homework? That is some serious business. Did you know Carbon is not a metaloid? Do you know how to divide decimals without a calculator? Because I do. Because if I didn’t? Neither would he. Oh, and I hold down a full time job with a 45 minute commute and somewhere in between all of this I aspire to have the best (if not most popular) blog on the planet.
Loved this post… and you more each time I read.
K
October 30th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
yep – that’s where life gets scary. i have 4 and have tried to keep activities to TWO per child, but that doesn’t always work! it gets easier when they can drive themselves to stuff! here from sits saying hi!
October 31st, 2009 at 10:36 am
We haven’t gotten involved in any extra activities yet, but my daughter has been dropping hints about ballet and I see lots of driving and tutus in my future……!
Happy SITS Saturday!
October 31st, 2009 at 11:06 am
I’ve only got one daugther and a husband and can relate to generally just being overextended. I’ve always been amazed how mom’s do it with all boys. Hope you at least have ladies night out once in awhile.
Good luck to you!
November 1st, 2009 at 8:24 am
Even with no children there seems to be no time. Working 10 + hours a day. Communing another 3. Trying to hit the gym. General laundry and house stuff. Tuesday I play trivia. Wednesday I play poker. Thursdays I do restaurant club. It is exhausting. There is absolutely no time for kids and their activities
November 1st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
My kids barely participate in anything. Because I can’ t handle all the stress that goes along with it. I’ll let them if they REALLY want to. Let’s just say I don’t encourage them to sign up.