It takes commitment by kids and parents alike to successfully balance school, family time, work demands, and community participation. Families should meet and discuss commitment levels and establish expectations in advance before allowing kids to sign up for ambitious programs or year-long activities. Family time success is dependent on an "all for one and one for all" commitment that is free from whining. Here are things to consider:

• Require a commitment of your kids. While you should be willing to let kids change from interest to interest--after all, that's how they really learn what they love and what they don't--do not let them be quitters. Many teams accept a certain number of kids or build programs based on participation, and kids should be taught that they need to stay committed for the season. After that, they don't have to return. But kids should commit to activities and agree in advance not to whine about practice, getting up early, or yet another game. That type of behavior creates negative family time issues. If you're in doubt that your child will like a year-long all-star cheerleading program, for example, then only sign her up for recreational cheer. If she exhibits enthusiasm and commitment to the sport, then next year you can always consider increasing participation levels. And just because a child has natural talent in an area (i.e. baseball), it doesn't mean he will "love" the sport and want to play on a select (hand-picked) group, even if chosen. Be honest, be fair, and allow your kids to say no before you agree to yet more practices.



• Be sure your spouse is committed as well. Activities and programs require commitment and support of the spouse as well, particularly if a family has multiple kids and mom and dad may be scurrying in different directions.



• Be your child's best fan. Coaches and program directors increasingly express dismay as to how overscheduled parents nowadays drop their kids off to practice, games and performances and pick them up at the end without staying to watch their child in action. While remaining at events isn't always possible, parents should make it a priority in their lives as well and positively support kids. That being said, remember that there is a difference between positive support and encouragement and being the backstage mom or screaming dad that everyone hates to have in their program.



• Have fun with your kids for the best family time of all. Enjoy your kids, their activities, their talent (or lack of in certain areas) and embrace being a family. The best family time memories are often those just spent together as a team, sharing jokes, eating together, and having fun.