Parent Zone
September 2007
Is Your Child Overscheduled?
You want your child to get involved in after school activities, but how much is too much? There may not be a “correct” number of activities appropriate for each child, so you need to ask yourself some questions before you sign your child up for another class, lesson, or team. Don’t wait until your children have committed to more than they can handle.
- Does he act grouchy, mopey, or irritable?
- Can she fall asleep at bedtime?
- Are his grades slipping? Does he finish his homework?
- Has she started overeating?
- Does he zone out in front of the TV?
- Is she complaining of stomachaches, headaches, or mysterious illnesses?
- Does he grumble about being bored?
- Is she over-anxious about getting approval from authority figures?
- When you're heading out the door, does he throw a tantrum or "lose" equipment?
- Does she pick fights with her siblings or complain you don't love her as much?
- Can he keep track of where's he's supposed to be?
- Is her schedule draining you or your family members?
If your child exhibits a few of these behaviors on an ongoing basis, you may want to re-examine his after-school schedule. Sometimes a short break is necessary for him to unwind and relax. But remember that family, school work, and sleep have to take priority over extra-curricular activities, no matter how fun they may be. Finding activities that are satisfying and stimulating can help kids stay motivated rather than exhausted.
http://content.scholastic.com/browse/
article.jsp?id=2123
Other Links to Explore:
Best Bets for After School
http://content.scholastic.com/browse/
article.jsp?id=1294
Ways to Prevent Overscheduling Kids
http://www.wfu.edu/wfunews/
2004/062404g.html
The Joys of Doing Nothing
http://content.scholastic.com/
browse/article.jsp?id=1450
How to Avoid Over-Scheduling Kids
http://stayathomeparents.suite101.com/
article.cfm/how_to_avoid_overscheduling_kids
Kids Healthworks TV Show Excerpt - Overscheduling
http://www.kidshealthworks.com/
material.asp?material_id=73
Is Your Child Overscheduled & Overstressed?
http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/
newspage/2005/hmchildstress.htm
