Too much activitiy?

Today my son's gymnastics coach told me that Mark has been doing very well in class, and taking a class once a week is no longer enough for him. The coach has been saying this casually to me for a few months now, but today he was very serious and determined. He is organizing another class just for the "strong" kids like Mark, and he really wants me to consider it.

First of all I should say that I am really proud of Mark. Second, I am considering it. But there is a problem which I am sure many "soccer moms" face today. It's a problem of "how much is too much"?

My kids have been involved in extra-curricular activities ever since they were born. When other babies were happily crawling around the house, my older son was learning his shapes and colors with me. When toddlers Alex's age were doing their first scribbles, Alex was learning to write letters and numbers. When 3-year-olds were building railroads and Lego cars, Alex was doing his first addition problems. He started gymnastics at 18 months; at the same age he started "mommy and me" swimming classes. Today, he has dance lessons twice a week, chess, and "all-sports" class that was recommended by his teacher for developing his social and gross-motor skills. He also takes swimming lessons in spring and summer. Besides that, at home we study Russian language and literature (because I require it) and elementary algebra (because Alex requires it). I would also like to enroll Alex in self-defence class (because I think it's necessary for a boy), and in tennis class (because it's so cool). And we'll do that, as soon as we find the time. So far, Alex enjoyed all of his activities, and refused to give any of them up. I am happy with that, except for the fact that he is desperately overscheduled. It's no wonder that he has not learned how to play by himself - almost every minute he has somebody (a parent or a coach) to provide an activity.

With Mark, it's been less busy so far. One of his most important activities was driving to all of his brother's activities. But that's not all. Mark also started gymnastics at 18 months, and has enjoyed it ever since. Then, he started swimming. This time I waited till he was allowed to take a class by himself, because "mommy and me" swimming is a waste of time and money (trust me). Last year, he asked me to enroll him in a soccer class, which I did. And a few months ago, he started dancing twice a week, just like his brother. Oh, I almost forgot - he also goes skating once a week this winter, but he takes a break from swimming and soccer till spring, which made his schedule manageable. Until now.

The problem is that whatever activity Mark does, he is good at it. Alex likes all of his activities, but he has not been especially great at any of them - his specialties are math and science. But Mark is really great at sports. His swimming has progressed wonderfully. He is absolutely great at soccer. Since day one of his dancing class, his teacher tells me that he is the best in class (and she is not lying). And you already know about gymnastics. So, how will I manage all of these activities, especially when he starts school in September? And most importantly, how will Mark manage them?

I have never been a sort of mom who pushes her kids into an activity because she considers it important. I still remember from my childhood a picture of my little girl-friends crying because they needed to practice their music when they wanted to go out and play instead. And how can I miss moms around the swimming pool pushing their howling little children into the water? Of course it's so important to master swimming at age 2 - waiting a year when a child will happily enter the water by himself is a crime against humanity. I've never done any of that. I only suggested activities for my kids, and they had the veto power. But they have never been good at exercising this power - they love their activities. So, now it looks like I have to exercise it for them.

Today, I have no answer. It's so hard to give up an activity that your child is enjoying and is good at. There is always disappointment, and there is guilt. On the other hand, there is lack of time for all the activities, and there is lack of money, too. And there is lack of much needed rest and free playtime. It's time for a family meeting.