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My kids are still young enough that they haven't been involved in a lot of activities.  Soccer and sports through the Y occasionally is about all we've had to schedule around.

So when a flyer came home the other day about the YES Kidettes, I didn't really give it a second thought - off to the recycle pile.  That is until Abby said she wanted to give it a try.

Here's how the conversation went:

Abby: "Mom, this is from school."  (hands me flyer). "What does it say about The Jungle Book?"

Mom: "It looks like they are having tryouts for The Jungle Book."

Abby: "Really?  Can I tryout?"

Mom: "Uh..."

Our conversation went on for a few more minutes and she managed to convince me that this is really something she wants to try.  What's a mom to do?

She is already in soccer, which takes up two weeknights (it used to be one night but her team got murdered in their first game so the coaches panicked.) and Saturday mornings.  She's in first grade and has homework and reading Monday through Thursday. 

Can we possibly add ANOTHER activity on top of that?

On the other hand, am I smothering her dreams and holding back the next Kristin Chenowith if I don't let her give it a shot at least?

I worry about overextending her or asking too much.  But is it asking too much if she is the one asking for the chance?  Where do we draw the line?

I've heard of some parents limiting activities to one per kid at a time.  I've known others who have kids in choir, softball and dance.  Everyone has their own standard.

So after much debate and an email to the Stanislaus Office of Education asking questions, we've decided to let her audition. 

If she makes it...well, I guess we'll cross that bridge when/if we come to it.