We're back into the swing of things for the new school year now. My 5-year-old started out kindergarten with no complaints. She didn't collapse after her first day because she was so tired. She kept right on going. She actually didn't show any signs of tiring for the whole first two weeks. We just finished week three of school and she started complaining about her legs hurting on the walk to school. She's no longer running around the track at school, but walking instead so she doesn't get too tired. The year is starting to take a toll on her. But, I don't think it's school that is the problem. It might be all the extra stuff.
Every Tuesday, after a full day of school, she comes home to a quick rest (soon to be homework time) and then she heads off to an hour of gymnastics. After that, its home for dinner and then off to bed, with no time to play.
Every Wednesday, after another full day of school, she comes home to change and then heads straight off to an hour of Broadway. Then, it's home for dinner and off to bed, again not much time to play, and will soon be filled with finishing her homework for the week.
This past week, she tried out for the school play. If she gets a part, that will mean an hour and a half every Monday after school.
Her school also has a lot of other fun stuff too. Last Thursday, after school, we came home for a quick rest, then headed back for her play auditions, then back home for a little more rest, then she turned right back around and went back to school for a Daddy/Daughter meeting. She didn't get home until an hour after her normal bedtime.
So, knowing that she's only 5 and needs some time to do her homework and just be a kid, do I make her quit gymnastics or Broadway to make room for the school play, which she is super excited about? She's also super excited about Broadway and gymnastics too, although gymnastics is her least favorite of the three. Have I let her overload herself and set her up to fail by not saying no? What is too much and can she succeed with such a busy schedule?
Some children thrive on that sort of schedule, other kids just do not. I'd probably let her try all three. If it ends up being too much for her, I am sure she will let you know , either through words or actions. I think as long as she knows she has options, that's what is really important.
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