The Over-Scheduled 3-Year-Old

Let's chat for a minute, mkay? Sometimes it really drives me crazy how society is nowadays. And let's be honest...I am a crazy one and probably most moms out there are too.

I have two three year olds. We haven't really gotten them involved in many extra-curricular activities. They take a short gymnastics class through their school on Thursday mornings. We went to Mommy and Me classes at Gymboree when they were little. But that has been the extent of it.

So, when they turned three, I decided to maybe start getting them more involved in some things. Things, plural? At three? Surely I jest! After all, we live in Brentwood, TN. The abundance of activities available for a three year old would probably make your head spin. There is, of course, gymnastics. Then there is soccer, dance, basketball, baseball, hockey, karate, spanish, and swimming. Is your head already starting to spin around? Yeah, mine too.

We decided to keep them in gymnastics at school and then put Josh in baseball and possibly do dance or something with Jules. We haven 't done that yet, but Josh is in week 4 of baseball.

The baseball around here is Lil' Sluggers. It's not actually baseball, but a little group of boys and they teach them the basics: throwing, hitting, running bases, sliding, etc.

Josh is...how do I put it...not good. His attention span is that of a over-energetic gnat. He follows direction for a little while, then is in his own little world. But I of course think he is doing great for 3, because he's ummm three!! Which, is pretty typical of 3?? yes? no? He does good, mind you, and I do think he is learning to throw and hit, but...here's the thing. He's the worst on his team because he's the least experienced.- ahem...least experienced. AT THREE. Who knew I had to worry about enrolling him AT TWO so he could catch up to these kids??? And this is when I want to just throw my hands up in the air and throw a fit. When did it become the society where we already are instilling skills to make them so competitive at TWO. Why is my son behind at THREE? Aren't three year old just supposed to run around in the backyard and pick up sticks and stuff? I saw another mom I know at the last lesson and I was talking to her about her son, who is 3.5 and he got moved to the next higher class because he was so advanced. This was his 4th cycle of lessons. And he plays hockey. I love that her son is so talented, but poor Josh, lol. **beats my head against the wall**

It's all very, very frustrating. And here I am right in the middle of it, which just makes me depressed. And what if I pull him out? Then will he be even more behind? The main reason I put him in this class to begin with is so that he could do something alone, without Jules. She is the dominant, social twin. However, without her, he is shy and had a hard time making friends. So, I guess its good for him, right? Oh, yeah, and we also started swim lessons. So, yeah, thats three things. Not proud of it. *hangs head in disgust*

So, tell me moms. What say you? Do you guys already have your wee toddlers already over-scheduled? Please don't tell me I'm alone here.I don't want to be that mom. I really don't. But I may not have a choice.

Thats him in the Yankees hat :)

Poor little guy :(