My kids are involved in many activities. Between the four of them we find ourselves at ballet, soccer, swim team, instrument lessons, playdates, math club, and more that I must be forgetting. In addition the activities tried and abandoned trail behind us. In our home, there is never a shortage of things to do, but a definite shortage of free time. As a parent, I like that the kids are involved in sports and activities. I have even offered parenting advice on extracurricular activities

My rule about kids activities used to be simple. I made the kids commit to a season (because I had to pay the bill) and then they had a choice whether to continue.

The problem that I am now facing is that the kids are now growing tired of some of the activities that they have done for years. Take instrument lessons for example. As parents, we have invested in the instrument and the lessons - not a cheap endeavor. The kids have built up their skills and play their instruments well. And now they are ready to call it quits. My parenting question to you - do you let them call the shots at this point?

Let’s talk sports. Say your child has been playing soccer for years and now they are pretty good at it - you, as a parent, see talent, definite potential. One fine morning your child announces - no more soccer, I want to play baseball (or football or badminton). What do you do?

My approach to parenting is very practical so this change of direction jostles my senses. “But you are so good at soccer (or guitar, or the ukulele)!”, I argue. Meanwhile, I am thinking, “And I spent so much money on those d a r n lessons.”

So, tell me, what parenting tips do you have for me when it comes to kids activities and the decision to give up or continue?