Okay, I'm obviously the mean mom because if it were me, I'd just tell her we have to limit it to 2 activities this time, and next time she can pick 2 more. But, you know your own child, and you have to decide what you think is best for your family. If you feel limiting the extra activities is appropriate, then give her a choice. I think I'd say something like do you want to do ballet or jazz; then do you want gymnastics or cheer? Switch 'em around next time if she want to. Again, just my 2 cents here, and you don't have to take my advice. Don't worry, I won't feel bad!

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I have a one activity at a time rule for my toddler and preschooler. I did break it this summer so she could do dance and soccer, but she doesn't like her dance class so I actually removed her. Don't try to do too much, preschool 4 days a week and one activity is enough! If she won't pick which one then pick one for her. If you really want to cave, then do only one extra. but don't keep her busy all the time, she needs downtime too! There is a book you should read: "Miseducation: Preschoolers at risk" that will help you figure out how much to do.

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt

I'm considered a Cruel Mom because I did limit my kids activites.
I encouraged my kids to read or draw if they got bored during the summer. They also learned chores and responsibilities.
I did reward them for using their imaginations- oatmeal box drums?! Cereal box cities- you know what I mean

Good schoolwork & positive BEHAVIOR= 1 activity earned by the quarter.
Limit of 2 outside activities per quarter/ Unlimited school activities
as long as homework was done and attitude stayed adjusted.

Neither of my girls took dance at studio- way too expensive and time consuming/ and truth be told around here you have to be in with the dance teachers

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Okay well I feel differently than most obviously. I like it when my kids are busy and I like exposing them to lots of different activities. If she's only in four 1/2 days of school, and 3 hours or so of classes a week, I don't think that's too much. If she WANTS to do them, and handles the time commitment, and you don't mind paying for them, then I'd say go for it!! My dd always did TONS of stuff. I think it would be different if you were pushing her, but it sounds like it's her idea. HTH

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I am with Aliadam!! My kids pretty much get to do whatever activities they want to do. Always have. If I can afford it and swing it (I have 6 kids to chauffer around). I love them being active and involved. I never force them to do anything, though.

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I limit my dd also. She can do 2 things at once. She will be in gymnastics and dance this year though. Since I am going to do a homeschool preschool I like the fact she is getting some interaction since I dont really have any friends with young children.

jester i so agree with Artie on this one...

but you ultimatly know your DD and know if this will be too much for her....

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I would limit her activities like everyone else said. If she can't decide try talking to her teacher to see how dd's doing and what ahe thinks would be another good choice. Then if she's unhappy she could try something else later. It sounds like a lot of running around for you too with her activities.

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Mom to Caitlyn 4-1-03
Mom to Michael 9-1-05

I would limit her to two classes. JMO, but I think if kids are kept too busy then they will always expect to do something or be entertained. I read something a while ago that said it was OK if a kid got bored becuase if they weren't given anything to do they would use thier imagination more, like draw, color or build with blocks. Why don't you take that time that she would be in class and spend some one on one time with her like riding bikes, going to a playground or going out for ice cream ( my personal favorite), Just a suggestion. She sure is a lucky little girl to have you willing to do so much for her.

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