Extracurricular Activities

Can children be involved in too many activities? Some people believe they are. Some experts say that kids are overworked and overstimulated. They feel that students do not have enough time to be kids. One of the reasons for this is because there are so many choices available. Children can be involved in activities any hour of the day and any day of the year.

How should parents decide how many activities are the right amount? Experts say that parents should set aside time for homework, time to eat dinner as a family, and time for kids to be kids. This means that kids are allowed free time. If these three criteria are met, then extra activities outside of this are considered okay.

Parents should listen closely to their children as well. Children give signals to their parents all the time about how they are doing. Children who are tired all of the time or are struggling with school may need to have their schedules examined and rearranged.

Children may not state their feelings, but they will send messages to parents letting them know how they are feeling about their life. It takes a strong parent to step back and reevaluate how children spend their time.