So many homeschool families ask the question “How many extracurriculars is too many for homeschoolers?” We know we have the flexible schedule (usually) and see all our friends heading out to 10 different activities per week. Am I a bad mom if I don’t do it too (we think)? Let’s dive into this topic!
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Of course we know that homeschooling offers a unique flexibility that allows our kids to explore interests and passions beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Many of us embrace this freedom by enrolling our kids in a variety of extracurricular activities, from sports and music lessons to community service and academic clubs. But with so many enriching options available, it’s easy to wonder: how much is too much?
Let’s explore how to find the right balance for homeschool extracurriculars, helping you support your child’s growth without overwhelming their schedule—or your own.
And more importantly, let’s figure out what’s driving the push to overcommit to extracurriculars from a young age.
How many extracurriculars is too many for homeschoolers?
For homeschoolers, the question of how many extracurriculars are too many is essential to ensuring meaningful, balanced growth.
What extracurriculars meant the most to you when you were in school? Was it the one that you were most passionate about and brought about growth in the skill plus your character?
Consider this. Extracurriculars do offer valuable opportunities for social interaction, skill development, and personal interest exploration, but taking on too many can lead to burnout and scattered focus.
The “deep over wide” approach advocates that homeschoolers benefit more from dedicating time and energy to a few activities they’re passionate about rather than spreading themselves thin across many. By focusing deeply on a select few interests, students can gain mastery, develop resilience, and build confidence in those areas.
This approach allows for more intentional learning and growth, where each activity becomes a meaningful pursuit rather than just another commitment. Ultimately, choosing depth over breadth can help homeschoolers cultivate skills, build meaningful connections, and develop a more profound sense of purpose.
HWM 289. Go Deep, Not Wide with Extracurriculars
On episode 289 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast, we’re talking about a great point that our guest, Dave Kozak of Elite Collegiate Planning, made on episode 288. If you haven’t listened to that one, be sure you do! Because what he said about extracurriculars doesn’t just apply to your high schoolers. It’s great advice for parents of littles too.
About 20 minutes into our interview, I asked Dave this question:
What role does extracurricular involvement play in homeschoolers’ college applications, and how can they showcase these experiences?
And what he said might shock you! But I think it’s spot on.
He said:
- Go deep, not wide
- We look at depth, not breadth
- We don’t need a kid who does 50 things, rather a kid who goes deep into ONE thing
- That student is trainable, persistent, advancing from participant to leader
Yes, yes, yes!! THIS message is one that a lot of younger parents (sorry!) need to hear from us older parents. Running your kids to 10 different activities per week is not the answer to build perseverance, leadership, or resiliency.
So, all that to say, take a listen to episode 289 for a deep dive into managing extracurriculars in homeschooling. Because the mindset behind the push to do so much is probably the most important issue to dissect here.
How many extracurriculars is too many for homeschoolers? Only you can really know for your particular homeschooler, but this episode will help you figure it out.
HWM 24. Extracurriculars: How much is too much
A listener emailed me with this great question! Is it more important for your kids to gain mastery in a few skills or have a wide range of opportunities? What about when they’re only 6 years old? What about if you as the parent are overcompensating?
This podcast gives several key ideas to think about when deciding what is right for your family with a homeschool extracurricular schedule.
Here’s a list of resources mentioned on today’s episode when figuring out homeschool activity limits:
- FOMO – Fear of Missing Out – for Homeschool Moms & What to do about it
- Embracing Planned Neglect
- Studies about the benefits of play
Do you have a question you’d love to hear answered on the Homeschool with Moxie podcast? Email me anytime at abby@4onemore.com
