Well, tomorrow night is the last t-ball game of the season, and while I’m a little relieved to get our Thursday nights back, I’m also panicking a bit!

Because a part of me feels like I should start looking for what’s next? C has a long list of things he wants to try – gymnastics, basketball, etc. ⚽???? Do you ever feel like that?

And what if all of the other kids are taking part now, and by the time we take part he’ll be way behind?!

That’s crazy! It’s so intense. That’s why part of me wants to give C a range of experiences now while the pressure is so low – so that he can just focus on learning the game, meeting new friends, and having fun. And then if he wants to continue pursuing one or two later, great! If not, no worries.

I just struggle with the balance of having enough down-time for all of us too.

Ha, it sounds so simple when you put it that way!
And you have to think of what’s best for the whole family, too. Being out and in over-stimulating environments too often, especially during the school week, can be a lot for C’s brother. So I’ve found that when we’re overscheduled that burn-out trickles down through all of us.

Ha, yep. I do have to say, though, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at times, too. Having a couple activities of their own has given each of our boys their own thing separate from one another, and has given them the chance to support one another.

Also, I was hesitant to have C take part in a couple small summer camps because we were already looking at a crazy busy summer. I am so glad he had those opportunities now – it gave him some time away from the summer chaos (we were in the midst of moving!) to make some memories that didn’t involve unpacking boxes.

I think for me, I start to see everyone’s kids on social media participating in all these activities and I panic that it’s not one we’ve tried yet – or one I haven’t exposed them to yet.? But they’ll still grow up to be well-rounded little people even if they don’t do it all!

Right?! C told me he wanted to play soccer again next time the opportunity came around, and I was like, “Really?” He didn’t look like he was loving the run up and down the field, but apparently he’s ready to do it again!

How sweet! I’ve found that if I trust my gut as to whether or not it’s a good time for us, and if I trust the path set out by the opportunities God’s putting in front of us, so far we’ve done ok.

So true. I remember Katie sharing a while back that her son was so excited to find out there was nothing on the calendar that day, and it’s always stayed in the back of my mind. I’ve tried to make sure we always have down time, but they also get a wide range of exposure/experience… I guess stumbling from time to time trying to find the right balance for our families, and each kid in our family, is to be expected.?

So true. And what’s best for each family is different – so when I feel that panicky fear that my kid might be missing out sneak in, I’m going to try and turn it into a prayer of celebration/thanks for the opportunities God is working into the lives of friends and family, too. If we’re meant to get there, we will…when the time is right.