Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Scheduling Wars

Back when the kids were younger, we tended to have several children take similar classes and participate in similar activities. Four of the children took Tang Soo Doh at the same time, so it was only necessary to drive for that class twice each week. Everyone took swim classes at the same time. Dance classes were on the same day, but at different times. Everyone went to 4-h meetings together. That has all changed.

Joe and Steve are both in various choirs, but they have practices, competitions, and concerts at different times and locations. Joe is running track and has practices at different times each week. Steve is in a band which has strange practice times. Madelyn has cheer and tumbling on the same evening, at the same time as the younger girls self defense classes, etc.

I sat down this morning to get dates listed on our calendar for competitions and trips that the kids are taking. During the process, I realized that we have some major scheduling problems. Paige and Allie both qualified for the national competition in Dayton, OH on March 24. Madelyn has a required full-day stunt clinic in Michigan on the same day. Because Madelyn in a flyer, it is especially important for her to be in attendance. Due to the distance and Mike's work schedule, Paige and Allie will have to miss the national competition. They are devastated.

The pastor who is teaching the confirmation class for Madelyn has suggested Palm Sunday, April 1, for her confirmation. He's checking his schedule and will let us know on Thursday. I noticed this morning that Madelyn has another stunt clinic in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, March 31. We need to be up there at 8:00 a.m. The clinic ends around 7:30 p.m. She's going to be exhausted and I'm going to be stressed. School will need to be cancelled for the end of the week as we prepare for her open house.

We have more scheduling problems in May with concert dates, Steve's trip to Florida with the choir, Joe's track meets and competitions for cheer and self defense. I know that it will be work out one way or another, but certain children will be disappointed and I'll feel guilty. We need more drivers in this household and fewer activities.

1 comment:

Bikermom said...

Sigh and yes.....I hear you. Hugs.