Is it just me, or does registration time for your kids sports, dance, or other activity programs bring with it a sense of anxiety and maybe just a little fear?

If youre an organized parent, you registered your kids for their programs early, maybe even hit pre-registration, and youre now smugly reading this knowing that you have your schedule all locked up. If, however, you are like me and many parents out there, youre trying to figure out whether Katie should swim or play hockey, or both, and whether Michael should do the same. To those of you reading this without kids, this might seem like something so simple that its not worth discussing, BUT if you have kids, especially more than one or two, you know much better.

First, depending on the age of your child/kid, parents might experience some attitude or disinterest where your kid doesnt really seem interested in anything at all, but being the experienced parent that you are, you also know that this is temporary and if you dont get Mike into swimming, you know that when he finally gets out of that holiday haze that youll never hear the end of it.

Second, if you have more than one kid, scheduling rules dictate that you cant really have both kids in a program at the same time, unless you are blessed with someone who can share the driving and attending, depending on the childs age. You also need to keep in mind as you try to schedule that there are important school dates, holidays, vacations and appointments coming up, which adds a little bit more challenge to the mix.

Third, the experienced parent also knows that there is at least a 30% chance that the one program that might fit into your life perfectly, and that your daughter must have, is already full. I wish I could provide some sage words to help you get through this, but alas, all you can really do is start over again.

Last, parents must also naively try to include some parent time in the registration schedule to try and fit in that yoga class, dinner, or bath that you so dearly desire but know you probably wont get (but you can dream - cant you?).

So, now that we know the challenges and dangers that lurk, its time to pick up that phone, or click that mouse and register knowing that you have a few last days before youll actually have to open a calendar again. Be strong!

About the Author

Nancy S. is the Editor of Parent Source and The Parent Source Blog where parents go to find great parenting articles, birthday party ideas, activity suggestions, directory listings, contests and more.