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DomanMom
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« Reply #5 on: October 16, 2008, 11:47:08 PM » |
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The question is, do you think he is overwhelmed? And secondly, are you overwhelmed? If something doesn't feel right to you (which would explain why you are asking for help) find out what it is and, as kmum said, follow your Mommy instincts.
Music and foreign languages are great things to expose your child to, and if your child enjoys them and you enjoy them, that's wonderful that you have the opportunity to take part in those learning experiences. However if you or he are feeling overwhelmed, you shouldn't hesitate to drop the classes. We certainly can't go to EVERY class that has something beneficial to offer our children (there are far too many!), so we must be selective about what outside activities we choose.
Doman says that we should seek to spend as much time at home as possible, because not only is baby most secure and comfortable at home (and so are we) but also because if we're always on the run, going from one place to another, it's hard to get teaching time in with your baby (and time for physical activity) when you're constantly on the move. That certainly doesn't mean you should never go anywhere, but that you ought to try to opt for spending time at home versus always being on the go.
Right now the only outside class my son is in is story hour at the library once a week. If I could afford for him to go to foreign language classes once a week (or better, classes at more reasonable prices) I would love for him to be in that, since I am not bilingual (I try, but I'm not fluent in any other languages). But if any class or activity ever left him or me feeling overwhelmed I would drop it.
It is totally up to you and your child how much outside activities will work into your schedule without either of you feeling overwhelmed. Now, if a parent were hauling their toddler off to two or three classes, sports leagues, or activities a day, there might be reason for concern as to be spending such a large amount of time at these types of activities (not only AT the activities, but also preparing for them and transporting to and from) as it would put an undue amount of stress on a child at a time in his life where he needs the security and regularity of home as much as possible. But this doesn't sound like you at all, and going to two or three things a week like you are looks like a fun and rewarding experience for both of you, as long as it stays fun and not stressful.
So decide for yourself what works for you and your child. If you feel overwhelmed, or are sensing that your son is overwhelmed, drop one or two or even all of the activities if you need to. And if it comes down to dropping one or more of them, your son doesn't have to "miss out" as you can do all of those things at home, especially the music! Look for suggestions on this forum of how to teach your baby music, foreign languages, swimming, gymnastics, running, physical excellence, and of course reading, math, and encyclopedic knowledge like science, geography, history, literature, art, scripture, and more! You can give your child the very best, and if you use outside classes to help you with that, that's just wonderful! But if you feel too overwhelmed, know that YOU, his parent, can give him the very best in all of these things, and it doesn't take professionals to do it.
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