Additional Coverage:
- I felt guilty for not signing my kids up for sports and activities. I realized I’m doing enough already. (businessinsider.com)
Overwhelmed Mom Ditches Extracurriculars, Finds Joy in Simplicity
For many parents, signing kids up for a whirlwind of extracurricular activities is simply part of the parenting playbook. One local mom, however, bucked that trend and discovered a different path – one paved with quiet moments and family connection.
Initially, Creshonda Smith envisioned a childhood for her three daughters packed with dance classes, gymnastics, and music lessons. Having had limited extracurricular experiences herself, she was determined to provide her children with a more enriched upbringing.
But the reality of juggling multiple schedules with three young children proved overwhelming. A brief foray into ballet lessons pre-pandemic left Smith exhausted. When classes resumed, she admits to dodging the instructor, dreading the return to the hectic routine.
With her friends’ children enrolled in everything from karate to STEM camp, Smith’s daughters remained at home. Initially plagued by guilt, Smith questioned if she was failing her kids. She envied other parents who seemed to effortlessly manage packed schedules.
The pressure to “perform parenthood” – to showcase a carefully curated highlight reel of accomplishments – weighed heavily on Smith. But amidst the quiet moments at home – sharing meals, watching movies, and engaging in simple conversations – a shift occurred. Smith realized that her presence was enough.
Bedtime chats, shared jokes, and the comfort her children sought in her presence reaffirmed the strength of their bond. She knew their friends, their favorite snacks, and their inside jokes. She was present for the small moments, and that, she realized, was what truly mattered.
While the nagging question of “Should I be doing more?” occasionally surfaces, Smith has found contentment in the simplicity of their family life.
For now, she’s chosen to prioritize presence over performance, focusing on the quiet moments that weave the fabric of their family life. And in those moments, she’s discovered a different kind of enrichment, one that resonates deeply within their home.