We're now well and truly in to the new school year, so much so that Half Term is already fast approaching. Where does the time go?
On that theme my son made the transition from lower to middle school this year and with that comes some pretty significant changes. Longer Maths and English lessons, more languages to learn, new subjects such as history and geography but, most impactful, longer school days and more homework.
Gone are the days when I would be at the school gates for 3.30 in the afternoon. Now it's typically 5.30 before I scoop him up. Part of the reason is his (and my) enthusiasm for after school clubs. These are held at and provided by the school. So, on Monday it's Debating and Current Affairs, Tuesday it's Football Training followed by Swimming lessons, Chess Club is on Wednesday, followed by club Football Training and on Friday it's Drama.
The only day he doesn't have an extended day is Thursday, but then he has Tennis Lessons.
And when we finally get home it's supper and homework.
With the amount of homework doubling from 20 minutes to 40 minutes per night it doesn't leave time for much else.
But I do think it's important to have some 'playtime' before bed, so we'll have a mini football match or some other game that gets us both laughing.
Sometimes I worry that we're doing too much, but then he seems happy and if I ask him if he wants to drop any clubs or activies he always gives a resounding "NO!"
Let me know what you think and what you do in the comments.