I just shelled out a huge chunk of change so our two eldest girls would could do ballet next fall.
If it weren’t for some generous birthday money contributions, I don’t think we’d have been able to afford it. And it’s got me thinking about kids’ activities and which ones are worth the sacrifice (of money and time), which ones are actually a detriment to family life, and which ones are somewhere in between.
We have always said we wouldn’t let our kids do more than one sport/physical activity and one artistic/musical activity. Sounds fair enough, right? But here we are, barely able to scrape the pennies together for two kids to take a dance class, so how will we afford it when there are three ready to groove, as well as pay for their inevitable cello/trombone/interpretive finger painting lessons?!
Granted, there are cheaper activities than ballet (they ding you with the exorbitant costume and recital fees, then you need to buy the leotard and slippers and tights) but we want our kids to enjoy activity and the discipline of learning in a class.
I have found myself uttering, “It’s a good thing I’m going back to work in the fall so I’ll be able to pay for all this stuff!” but I really don’t want to fall into the cycle of working endlessly and spending tonnes of time away from the kids so that I can pay for them to be in countless activities where they are spending even more time away from me, you know?
How do you find a healthy balance in regards to kids’ activities and the time and money they demand?
I’m with you, lady. I have no idea. Last year we didn’t do any extra curricular stuff due to the homework schedule, except for soccer in the late spring, which didn’t cost a mint, and the uniform was included, except for the shoes.
I’m thinking of piano lessons, possibly for both this fall, but I have no idea what the costs are (yet) – I’m thinking one activity each is enough. Or else I might have to start hooking during the daytime to pay for it… 😉
It’s crazy, I know. My dayhome does two instructor-led programs (dance and gymnastics) as private bookings over the lunch hour at their facilities. My own kids get swimming lessons + 1 other thing. It would just get too expensive, otherwise.
I totally hear you on the dance pricetag. Be thankful they are only doing one class of ballet each. I think last year I paid for 5 classes between the 2 girls and was very thankful Brooklyn didn’t want to do anything!
We are the same as you – 1 sport/activity per season.
My oldest plays rep hockey – which is ridiculous money.
Cuyler does gymnastics and swimming. All of his programs I get subsidized through the ministry because of his diagnosis (silver lining).
Eva has done gymnastics for the last year, but has decided to do dance this coming season. So jazz it is!
I budget throughout the spring and summer to cover the cost of all the cheques that will need to be written come August registration time…
I was thinking about putting Isabelle is Ballet too. Haven’t done it yet, still recovering from the preschool price tag for September. Is Karenna’s class on Saturdays like Avelyn’s? It would be super cute and I think she would love it but not sure if I want to forego our one unscheduled day (not counting Sun/Mon) Does the class fill up pretty quick?
PS They are adorable!
Mine aren’t there yet. But I know what you’re sayin’. I also say only one thing at a time…but….they have no choice so far. When they have some choice, what then?
I think when they get a bit older, they can choose themselves. Like, “you each get $???? for activities, choose”.
But for now, we muddle through it.