Extra Curricular

Some insurances pay for community ed. So for my daughter’s gymnastics they pay $20 for the session and we are responsible for the rest.

Not Renee, but we do CBS. It is our 6th year. I have never dobe BSF though. Talking to ladies that came to CBS from BSF, BSF was a bit “stricter” in that they really wanted you to get your homework done, and if you did not, do not worry about coming. At CBS yes they want you to do your study but if things happen, come and catch up with the class. Our BSF does not have child care past K which is why I never tried it out.

I am sure it depends on the leardership of each group, and those ladies experiences. I have a friend that does BSF in another State, but the do not have a program for school aged kids, but she loves it!

My kids love it! My oldest is in 3rd grade. The childrens program (birth – K) is really good. I actually teach a class:) any way… they are not “flashy” no videos or extras, just solid Bible stories. Once the child reaches 1st grade they do the same study the mom does, but at an age appropriate level with their own books and questions that walk them through the study. 1st-3rd grade is one level, 4th-8th another and then our group has enough teens that we are having a highschool group too.

I know it depends group to group, but the leadership for my group is amazing. I, and the kids, have been blessed so much since I started to attend.

I am personally not a huge fan of organized sports, etc. My husband teaches PE class for our children(and neighbors join in sometimes) two evenings a week. Do you know how rare this is? Not saying we are superior. This is what works for our family.

Several of my children take piano lessons every other week in our home.

My K and 5th graders are in Children’s Choir at church. I only sent my K daughter because she really wants to do it. Her older brother(age 19) volunteers there too, so I agreed to it.

While on the subject, I strongly believe that the child should be highly interested in the activity. It is not a huge deal if I have a child in zero organized activities. God has always provided opportunities for friendships and activities.

We also really like to minister as a family. Deaf ministry is our new thing. It is amazing to see the opportunities God is bringing. We are meeting with another family every other week for Bible study in our home.

Another key is to find ways to serve. My 19-yr-old has found friends by serving at church.

Some families I know have one child in a sport at a time, so they switch it by seasons, such as football for one and basketball in winter for the other.

Try not to compare too much or over schedule. We have an epidemic of exhausted families with no time for relationships or rest.

Blessings,

C

We do lots of homeschool co-ops and field trips, so my kids get a lot of socialization with their friends there, but in terms of extracurriculars:

-my two boys each do Scouts (oldest is in Boy Scouts, younger is in Cub Scouts)
-my two girls will be starting American Heritage Girls this year
-three of my four kids do TaeKwonDo

That’s all.  We don’t do team sports/seasonal sports because my kids don’t have much of an interest.  Also, we don’t push the team sports because it takes so much away from family time.  Scouts/AHG, though, are very family-oriented.  Also, TKD they are able to do together, and the instructor has lessons 6 days/week, so we can choose which classes work for us as a family.  My one daughter who does not choose to do TKD *may* do swimming lessons at the same gym at the same time as TKD classes, if DH and I are able to find one that fits that schedule.

As long as my children are exercising and do PE class with Dad, I am fine with that. For PE they get a gentle introduction to many different games. My kids may not be professional athletes, but they know enough to play with others at gatherings.

If I had a child begging to play a sport, I would consider it. My oldest tried a few.

For your son, is he interested in karate, hiking, biking, or anything active?

I was a “popular” kid in our small town public school, and learned skills to get along, but I am not very coordinated.

I would be more concerned if my children WERE part of the in crowd today, versus fear of being a backward homeschooler.:)

I don’t think it is weird that your kids prefer to play with each other. I agree that is a blessing!

They are still young and if they aren’t asking, I would enjoy the lighter schedule. That said, God knows much better than I what is best for your family. I just think that as modern parents we over schedule and demand performance from kids in activities sometimes out of fear of being labeled as weird or for other reasons.

I hope I haven’t offended anyone. I really am not anti-activity.

I hear you! We have the same issue, but provides the opportunities.

Our church has been talking about loving our neighbors and discovering the lost art of getting together.

Our church is having the same discussion too. They are planning a theme this fall, “Autumn Connections.” Hopefully we can connect with some like-minded people!