Baseball, children's theater, soccer, ballet, Boy or Girl Scouts, piano lessons, swimming; even in rural areas, the list of possible activities for your children goes on and on. It would be great if there were a simple formula to answer the question of which and how many activities to allow your children to take part in. However, in reality it is a constant dilemma that returns each time sports seasons end or school breaks for summer and school sponsored activities come to a close.

As a parent, you do need to set limits. You cannot say the sky's the limit' for after school or summer activities. While a sport or activity may be enriching and worthwhile, the decision of whether a child participates must take into account the activity's cost, transportation requirements and time constraints.

In prioritizing sports and activities, look for clues about what your children might enjoy by how they spend their free time, whether it is jumping and climbing, staging plays or doing art projects. As soon as your children start expressing their opinions, let them weigh in on choosing their own activities. Clearly explain when financial or transportation considerations limit their choices

Other factors to consider when choosing activities for your children:
-Do your children know other children participating?
-What do other parents have to say about the class, the organization and the teacher or coach?
-Will your children have time to get their homework done while participating?
-How do your children handle: Risk taking? Losing? Winning? Playing with others on a team?
-How aggressive are they?
-How self-disciplined are you and your children when it comes to practice?
-Are you and your children willing to take on the commitment that the activity requires?

Your child's activities are an important part of family life. They can either add to or take away from your lifestyle. Remember that as a parent you have the final say in your child's activities. Take the responsibility in planning this part of your child's life seriously and you'll find it to be a wonderful outlet for the whole family.

Learn more about this author, Sidni Shurtleff.
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