I have just spent the morning enrolling, paying membership fees, coaching fees and working out strategies to get my peoples, i.e. kids where they need to be after school {and on weekends} for their extracurricular activities.
My kids seriously cant be more different when it comes to their ‘extracurricular activities’. B1 is swimming, and art {he also does private tuition and loves it so much it could be considered an extra activity}. B2 is tennis and basketball. B3 is dancing and acting. {scratch the acting he didn’t get into the troupe due to an intake overload- we are now swimming}
All different and all on different days. Bless them.
When they were little, I would determine who did what. I enrolled them in what I thought they showed talent in and I ultimately made it easy for me because I was tired and cranky most of the time. However, now the boys are older and have expressed definite interest or ability in what they like I cant determine things for them any more; despite still being tired and cranky. To decide for them now is not fair and so here I sit strategically planning routes, dinners, budgets and equipment.
There are rules however involved in our extracurricular activities first is they really have to want to do it or show an intrest in it and it has to fit for me – to a point. Whilst I know how that sounds I am reasonable for example B3 wanted to do soccer this year. He has never shown and interest in soccer- never- and soccer around these parts has a crazy schedule of training twice a week with a game every weekend both here and away. Which means when the husband is at work I would or will be stretched to the limit. That white coat and I would be checking ourselves for measurements; so I ask them to really think about what makes them happy. For b3 he has thought about it and so its dancing and swimming and so I’m cool with that. I also give them the option of two and no more.
The next rule is they have to appreciate it. I don’t mind all the running around paying the fees etc., but they have to understand the time, the effort and the cost. The minute that starts to waiver or the thanks mum all of it stops, they don’t get it next season and the remainder of the season is without a smile. Then there is the novelty factor if they decide that they want to do it they have to see it through for the whole season if the novelty wears off after three weeks it’s a matter of suck it up buttercup, money doesn’t grow on trees.
Finally, they have to organise themselves. They have to be accountable for their stuff. I don’t mind the washing and then putting it into the car, but they have to have it ready in the correct bags. We also have a bit of giving and take on attending events. If I cant find someone to help pick up and drop off, then we will go in order of both turns and need, meaning if B1 attended his meet over B2’s game then it’s his turn to give a little and still be supportive of his brothers despite missing out. The lessons in this life are endless I tell you.
Oh and what about dinners I hear you ask. Meal plan sort of and use the slower cooker, my friends. Worlds best inventions I swear. If you don’t have one, get one, now. Forget the Thermomix as an investment get yourself a slow cooker.
With that being said I’m off to do some mash potatoes as its an early one tonight with just some tutoring on the cards. But how does the ‘activity stuff’ work in your house?
xxDeb
