Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion How much?

My kids don't naturally play in a vigorous manor. Everything outside always ends up being more talking than physical play.

So when I sign my kids up for something I really want something that is going to work them out. Otherwise I have a bunch of reading and computer couch potatoes.

One practice a week and a game a week sounds fine but my guys need exercise another 4 days a week and just won't go outside and play or ride bikes or walk.

Swim team is perfect for us...lots of physical exercise for 2 to 2.5 hours a day 6 days a week.

Next year ds6 can take music through school - about $60 per ten weeks so I hope to manage that as well.

Cost of activities is tough to gauge as my kids don't participate in things that have a monthly fee. Travel ball base cost is usually about $1000/yr, but that does not include travel to tournaments and overnight stays (including a week long out of state tournament at the end of the year). Also throw in several composite bats at $300/ea and other random stuff - I don't really want to add it up. Eldest is also involved in Model UN and band (includes out of state trip of $1K+) and middle kid in another travel sport.

One thing I want to add is that you shouldn't be too quick to dismiss kid as "not having the talent" for an activity. No one thought middle kid would continue any sports at any level beyond the age of 12 - she is now playing two sports in HS and plays travel in both sports. Eldest was always an okay athlete but worked at it and got interest from DIII coaches. If the kid enjoys the activity, let them keep going (unless the cost requires that you give up eating).

Yeah, this is what I'm kind of figuring. It's a turn-off for me. I just want my kids to have some fun and get some exercise and experience team play. DS appears to have more talent and interest, so he will do a team sport in one more year (thought about this year, but he JUST turned 5--it seems young) but DD is easily turned off by a competitive sports environment, and since she always is very "ennnnh" on even signing up, I feel really wary about committing her to this kind of thing.

My kids are naturally active and play outdoors a lot, so I for sure do not need a daily 2.5-hour commitment. Honestly, that would make me resentful and wouldn't work for us logistically anyway with work schedules. Interesting how different families are!