Extra activities for individual family members need guidelines if they are to be beneficial and not a burden for parents or the whole family.  Extra after school activities often require parent participation.  Family routines may have to make allowances for parent involvement.  This could mean that family members pitch in with chores.  Reassigning and redistributing chores is a good idea every now and then anyway.  This gives relief to those stuck with the more demanding work.  It also gives training for everyone in every area.

When children express interest in participating in additional activities parents should measure their commitment.  Is this something they are qualified to do?  Is this a short term or long term project?  If a child's grades began to suffer, that could be an indication that they are over taxed.  If they are sluggish they are not getting enough rest.  Is it because the activity is too demanding and time consuming?  

Children benefit when their friends visit in their home.  Parents can take advantage of the opportunity to get to know their friends and learn what things they are interested in.  Your child's interest may be similar or entirely different.  

Keep in mind that it is important for your children to finish what they start.   Realize and teach your children that if a team member, the team may be depending on them.  It would be unfair to the team to let them down.