"Growing up, I played everything from softball to basketball to soccer, cross country, and track. I even dabbled in dance. While my parents allowed me to try whatever sport I wanted, they had a few rules. One, I had to finish the season of whatever sport I tried. And two, only one sport per season.
I used to think they did it solely to keep things simple. But now that I’m a mom and my kids are starting to play sports, I realize that in addition to wanting to keep some semblance of sanity, my parents were also trying to prioritize family time, keep their finances in check, and allow me time to, well, just be a kid.
Some experts say that over-scheduled kids may struggle to develop skills necessary for adulthood, like building relationships or dealing with setbacks. Other parents may feel the pressure to enroll their kids in sports, extracurriculars, and other activities simply because their peers are doing so.
As a parent myself, I’ve made it a habit to limit activities and avoid over-scheduling my kids. It’s been incredibly beneficial to our family. Here’s how:
It simplifies our schedule
My boys are 4 and 6, and so far, only my oldest has opted to play team sports. That means we only dedicate one night a week and Saturday mornings to his soccer team.
So, our family only has to coordinate one night of running from the bus stop to school pickup and back home again, only to rush dinner and head up to practice, return home for a second dinner, showers, and most likely, a late bedtime.
While I love what sports bring to the table—learning sportsmanship, how to be a team player, and making it a habit to move their bodies—I couldn’t imagine doing this frenetic routine more than once a week. Not to mention, my kids are still young enough that we don’t have to factor in time for homework, school projects, etc.
It lets us prioritize family time
I always joke that I’m on “Team Skip,” and when it comes to sports, I allow my kids to skip a game here and there in favor of family time. My husband travels a lot for work during the week, so weekends are often the only time we have as a family.
Just a few weeks ago, we planned a small getaway to a local theme park and hotel, and my 6-year-old missed a soccer game. Honestly? He didn’t even notice. And to me, that quality time with just the four of us was way more worthwhile.
We save money
Youth sports in our area are expensive. In fact, one session of a local soccer program for preschoolers can run upwards of $180. That’s why, when my youngest opted not to play sports this fall, I didn’t push it. He’s only 4, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that most kids aren’t ready for team sports until age 6.
Plus, that money can be allocated for other things: family activities, holiday travel, or even saving for his college fund.
It gives them time to be kids
I’m actually a big fan of youth sports. I played soccer all through my childhood and even in college and would love the same experience for my boys. Soccer undoubtedly shaped who I am and is responsible for some of my longest friendships.
But being a kid is also important. The AAP has long touted the importance of play in children’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Limiting my kids’ after-school activities has allowed them precious hours each day to engage in unstructured play with peers, partake in imaginary games, and spend time outdoors.
Other activities sometimes make the cut
While I’m a stickler for only allowing one sport per season, I allow other activities if it works with our schedule and budget. An after-school STEM program, Cub Scouts, and a sports program built into my preschooler’s school day all made the cut.
Many of these activities were more budget-friendly since they were associated with their school. Another bonus? I didn’t have to sacrifice another weeknight or weekend morning in the process.
Rachel Morgan Cautero, Contributing Writer
Rachel is a full-time freelance writer based in Ponte Vedra, Florida. When she’s not busy wrangling a toddler, preschooler, and one very stubborn French bulldog, she’s writing on all things personal finance and parenting. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Forbes, Parents, Nerdwallet, The Balance, Yahoo Finance, Truly Mama, SmartAsset, HerMoney, and DailyWorth.