I agree with Kama in that some kids are involved in way too many activities. It becomes a juggling act for parents and then there is limited family time. Currently, all five of us eat together at least six nights a week, and I feel this family time is important. Although this may not always be possible when our oldest daughter gets into high school, we are off to a good start.
Since I am a teacher and on average stay at least an hour after the students leave, I let my 5th grade daughter be involved in three after school activities (all at school). Due to not completing schoolwork, lying to me about doing it, and being extremely rude to an educational aide all within four days, she lost one of those activities. We had a big talk about lying and the importance of school work (two incomplete assignments kept her off the honor roll). Within the next two days she lied to the aide about something I did not say and then lied again about completing school work, so that dropped her down to one activity. She now has more time to complete her schoolwork
She moves on to our middle school next year - yikes! I believe extra curricular activities are important, so she will be able to choose one for the fall.
Like Kama, I also believe in the importance of play/creative time. My four and five year olds are masters at creative play (my oldest daughter reported they didn't have any toys in their original home in Poland) and can entertain themselves/each other for hours.