Busy, Busy, Busy

I posted as my Facebook Status the other day that those who are worried that homeschoolers do not get enough "socialization" should take a  quick peek at my planner.  Although we have plenty going on throughout the year, September and October are our 2 busiest months of the year.  In addition to homeschool stuff getting started, we have the County Fair and other 4 H activities, Chelsea has youth activities at church, and the biggest fall activity, soccer. 

We have 3 children playing soccer this year: Nick (10), Alex (8), and Christian (5).  We play through our local City Park.  Art is coaching Christian's team (this is our 4th year coaching 6 and under) which gives him the added responsibility to and me to make all the phone calls and coordinate everything for the team.  We have soccer 3 nights a week; Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and sometimes all 3 boys are playing games at the same time.  We almost always all go to every game. 

Christian

Nick

Alex

There are things we love about playing soccer.  The boys love sports and this gives them an opportunity to play.  It is fairly inexpensive (until you start adding in my gas!!)  The season only lasts between 6 and 8 weeks so although we spend a lot of time at soccer it is a manageable length of time.  It is great exercise and teaches the boys about sportsmanship and working together as a team. 

There are things I don't like about soccer.  But really you could plug in any children's sport or activity.  Some parents are just plain crazy even over pee wee sports and cause huge problems.  Some coaches are out to win and will teach their team to do so no matter what.  Sometimes children are less than sportsmanlike.  But overall playing soccer has been a positive experience for our children.