Overbooked: Navigating Extracurriculars and the Pressure to Do It All

In this episode, we dive into the world of extracurricular activities, after-school programs, summer camps, and sports teams, and the impact they have on our families. From the pressure to over-schedule to the challenge of balancing family time, we share our personal experiences and insights.

Kallie discusses her family's approach of limiting activities to preserve sacred family time and the importance of unstructured play for young kids. Charlotte shares her perspective on minimal extracurriculars due to the overwhelming costs and logistics. Megan opens up about her journey with her children's extensive involvement in activities like dance and soccer, and the struggle to keep them happy and off electronics. Caitlin reflects on her selective approach to group activities and the difficulty of finding the right balance.

We also explore the pressures parents face in managing their children's packed schedules, the financial burden, and the struggle to maintain family dinners and free time. Plus, we share our favorite gas station snacks and tips for navigating safe sleep when toddlers want to get out of bed.

00:42 WELCOME BACK

08:44 AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

19:28 OVER SCHEDULING

40:08 PRESSURES WITH KID’S ACTIVITIES

51:25 SAFE SLEEP

55:56 PITS AND PEAKS

59:26 CLOSING

This episode is sponsored by Yale New Haven Health, offering a truly comprehensive approach to healthcare aimed at meeting the needs of local families. Yale New Haven Health provides access to community-based physicians as well as some of the nation's top pediatric and adult specialists, ready to treat everything from the flu to complex medical conditions. When you or your family faces any sort of health issue, knowing you have access to the best care is paramount. Learn more at ynhhs.org.

This episode is supported by Sitter Connect. Sitter Connect offers a personalized service dedicated to connecting Connecticut families with highly recommended and qualified nannies and sitters. Their mission is to provide individualized and reliable care, ensuring the perfect match between a family’s needs and a caregiver’s qualifications. Whether it's for occasional, weekly, or last-minute needs, Sitter Connect strives to become an extension of your family, offering a personal touch service tailored to your unique requirements. Learn more at sitter-connect.com.