Exactly. We are 30 mins drive to Halifax in a popular commuter area which has kids activities coming out of its arse. In fact people here seem to have their kids involved in so many activities it's frankly ridiculous - its a wonder they get any family time together at all. This year we have tried to hold back and let them each choose a coupl of things to do because I dont want to be driving them somewhere every evening - its too much. They are doing skating lessons and karate (we droped Cubs and Beavers this time around).

There are millions of things for parents to get involved in too - if you dont mind volunteering there are kids activities to help run, there are evening classes you can sign up for and interest groups for just about everything that meet.

Like I said above I think its more of an issue to manage your time and be realistic about the things you sign them up for. I much prefer things that we all do together as a family that are not organised like just going to the park for a picnic, going to the beach, skating on a local lake etc.

You definitely have to pick and chose otherwise you will land up out all the time with no down days which is needed by both kids and adults alike.

My youngest (14) plays soccer (now finished) and takes guitar lessons once a week. The older one (17) has re-started his curling games after school, martial arts during school, cross-country running during school. No doubt drama will be starting up soon as there is usually a musical production in March. He also works part-time and has a G/F so he is pretty busy.

Then of course there are all the local events. This week we have a Grafton St Dinner/Theatre production going on in New Glasgow and also the Nova Scotia Music Awards is being held here this weekend too so we are going to the Gala show on Sunday.

We do like to do family things but dynamics change as your kids get older and want to do their own thing. However, nothing will stop us going to the cinema to see the latest Bond movie - we've been doing this for years, it's tradition

This is all good to know and has definitely put my mind at rest. Thank you for all your replies.

I just need to get over there to see for myself, it's just a bit frustrating having to wait :curse:.

Nice answer Rich_007 - like it.

Rubie x