Extracurriculars

Monday, May 24, 2010
by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Swim lessons. Dance. Soccer. Gymnastics. Library story times. Music classes and lessons. There are plenty of options when it comes to enrolling the munchkin in programming. Most folks call these "extracurriculars."  You know, the add-ons, the activities that bring joy, but also create new opportunities for skill development and learning.

I admit it. We were in the pool for swim lessons by the time the munchkin was 6 months of age. She is now pushing 3 years. Can she swim? Not yet.

We're also doing dance. What's more adorable than a toddler in a tutu and tights? Um, not much. Is she destined to be a prima ballerina? Well, I'm not seeing the signs yet, but she's having fun.

This evening she was doing somersaults in the grass. My mind began exploring the idea of a gymnastics class.

Oh, and we can't forget about library storytimes. We've been attending those since she was 4 months old.

Do kids really need these things?

Will they miss the boat that will sail them towards success if we don't enroll them in one activity or another?

I'm a huge (HUGE) advocate for these programs. Most of my career (outside of being the fabulous writer I am - LOL!) has been working with non-traditional educational programs. It's been a blast and a blessing. Yet, sometimes I even have to step back and wonder what is enough? Too much? And what is the value?

Of course, the first value is: EXPOSURE. If young children do not actively (hands-on) engage in an activity, how will we see the spark that may be talent or simply interest?

The next? SOCIAL INTERACTION. Oh, not for the kiddo, but for us the grown-ups. Having children can be a challenge. It's great to be with others who can share in the joys and those "bumps." I've loved connecting with others who share a passion, interest and are on the same ride (called "parenthood") at the same time.

And, finally, there is SKILL DEVELOPMENT. It's true, through extracurriculars, children will acquire something. Sometimes, these learnings will be small, other times, they will rock their world (and ours).

For these reasons, I've kept going back to activities. However, being the "everything-in-moderation-mama" that I am, I restrict our schedule to one activity at a time. In other words, there is no (and hopefully will never be) calendar in our household that is filled with nightly activities. I find there is just as much exposure, social interaction (thank goodness for good neighbors and good friends!), and skill development that happens during an afternoon in the back yard.

What about you? What are your summer plans? Are you registering your child for programs? What's the value for you and them?

As for us, I'm off to find out where those gymnastics lessons are offered.

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