Why We’re Opting Out of the Over-Scheduling Competition

Get a group of moms together and where does the conversation immediately go?

“Oh, little Johnny has T-ball tonight, I’ve got to run!” or “Oh my gosh, we haven’t been home all week, the kids just have so much going on!”

When the conversation inevitably turns to a detailed rundown of all their children’s activities, sports, and lessons, I nod my head in what I hope is a sign of empathy and understanding. But the truth is, I don’t chime in on those conversations, because my kids aren’t in any activities of any kind.

And honestly? I’m 100% okay with that.

Sure, my kids have dabbled in sports and activities here and there; we did a dance class when my daughter was three, a gymnastics lesson for my middle child, a few failed cheerleading practices, and horseback riding that was fun, but hard to accommodate dragging a baby and a toddler along and keeping for the hour-long session. Between my own hectic schedule of working from home, driving my kids to and from school every day (we don’t have a bus system), and trying to squeeze in things like working out or, um, getting groceries, adding activities to our plate just seems impossible.

With our kids between the ages of three and nine, I know we’re still not truly in the thick of the activity frenzy. I know there will come a time, probably in our near future, when my kids will be begging me to do more sports and activities. There will be games and practices and team dinners and I’ll be carting around more stinky children in my minivan than I care to and eating more Crock-Pot meals than is healthy, but when that time comes, I’ll embrace that season of life.

I do believe sports and other activities are beneficial—they keep kids active and engaged, and I definitely don’t want my kids coming home from school and clamoring to watch TV. And sports and other activities are wonderful ways for kids to make new friends, learn teamwork, and practice important life lessons and I will wholeheartedly support all of my children’s interests as they unfold.

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