Every year I think our family schedule is hectic, insane and chock-full and swear that it couldn't get any worse. Every fall I prove myself wrong. As the kids get older, there's always a new class to add or a new sport to try because everyone else is doing it. So we add: a class here, a playgroup there, and the mad dash from activity to activity begins. Last weekend, things reached a breaking point.
At 11:15 in the morning, I ran out of the house with my high heeled sandals unstrapped and my hair still wet from a quick shower. I buckled Jack and Juliette in their hot car seats, wrinkling their fancy outfits. It didn't feel like mid-September. It was hot, August hot, one of those bonus summer days in September, a last hurrah day. All we wanted to do was jump in the pool, but instead, we were piling into our sweltering mini-van. We were all sweating, yelling at each other, completely miserable. The fresh tracks of tears were still visible on both Bella's and Juliette's faces. We were already fifteen minutes late for the opening ceremony of Hebrew School.
This is the opening of my newest post at New Jersey Mom's Blog. Click through to read more...
2 comments:
Very well stated. Even with young kids I'm often ashamed of how rushed we are and how much the kids are left to fend for themselves just so we can fit everything in. I signed my son up for a class that I commited to for a year. We hit the 6 month point and he really doesn't like it that much. I realized I was trying to enrich his life, but it's not what he wants to do. We went through all the same feelings about fostering quitters, and as it stands we can't get out of the commitment, so he'll continue to go until until the contracts over. But, unless he really decides it's an activity he wants to continue, we'll just tell say that we've come to the end of that program at the end of the year. The directors there had a similar argument, and said a lot of kids complain about having to go, but I think there is something to be said for only fostering extra curricular activities that the kids really love.
I can also understand being conflicted because it's a religious activity, but it's more true to your family that they practice the way you and your husband do. In the long run, it'll allow you all to stay true to your beliefs and priorities.
I totally feel the same. There is never enough time. I am always rushing around. My kids are in too many activities and I don't think it is going to get any better. If you can come up with a solution let me know.! Have a great weekend!
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