Leanne and daughter MiLLie
It’s a little crazy, but we fit it all in and it makes us closer as a family
Working full-time and a busy mum-of-three, Leanne McAlister has a jam-packed schedule.
Add her children’s extracurricular activities into the mix and it’s a wonder her head isn’t in a spin.
Youngest child Millie, six, goes to four different clubs on three nights during the week, and then goes dancing on a Saturday.
On Tuesdays, it’s more dancing, followed by Rainbows, swimming on Wednesdays and gymnastics on Thursdays.
On top of all that, sons Matthew, 15, and 11-year-old Euan’s five football sessions a week leave you to wonder if the family, from Dumbarton, ever spend any time together.
“It’s a little crazy to say the least – but we somehow manage to fit it all in – and always have family time,” Leanne, 40, said.
“Friday is the day nobody has any clubs on, so we go out for a takeaway.
“And Sunday nights are for a big dinner round the table and watching a movie.”
Planning manager Leanne, whose husband James also works full-time, added: “Most nights we just run from pillar to post because there’s so much on.
“Thankfully, we have lots of help from my dad and sister who do pick-ups and drop-offs.
“Some nights Millie has to have her dinner in the car, driving between clubs, but we’re all used to rushing about.
“The kids love going, keeping fit and having different circles of friends.
“I would never force them to go if they didn’t enjoy it.
“In fact, I would say it encourages us to spend more time together. We catch up on the drives to and from the classes.
“And Millie does festival dancing which often means going away for the day or overnight and that’s a great bonding time for us.
“It’s nice to be there watching their progress and I think they enjoy us being there, too.
She added: “The kids would otherwise be at home playing by themselves on the PlayStation or tablet.
“This is especially true in the winter months when it’s too cold and dark to play outside with their friends after school.
“We notice when the clubs break for holidays, they get bored, so I think we all prefer to be busy.
“To be honest, I think these things make us closer as a family because we make the most of the quieter times.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”