LiveScience reported on “Busy Kids: Overscheduling Worries Overstated” — interesting article talking about the potential downside of overscheduling, but also presenting data that shows it may not be as big of an issue as we think. One stat that shocked me was that “Seven percent of U.S. school no longer provide recess to students as young as second grade,” according to one expert. That’s 7% too many in my opinion — kids NEED recess and a place/way to release energy during the school day.
LiveScience asked some parenting sources (including me!) to weigh in – I was on the fence, because I’m a perpetrator and a victim of the overscheduling, but I’m not sure I’d change much if activities and sports are healthy outlets for young kids.
What do you think? Are your kids overscheduled? Do you have guidelines in terms of how many sports or activities they can participate in? Is their schedule initiated by them or you? Add a comment!
Most of our activities are sports, education, or religion related and even though we are involved 5-6 days a week I think it’s important. My kids will find something to do if I don’t direct them and often it can be distructive (even though it’s always a scientific discovery project!) when not directed by someone. I do have boys after all. I think it will be even more important to keep them involved as they venture into the teens to help them vere away from Drugs and other unsavory elements. Right now my oldest is getting involved in volunteering as a junior lifeguard for childrens swim classes at a our nearby rec center. He is thrilled with the responsibility and opportunity to help others. Finding things to build character can never be under estimated! Happy Scheduling!
This is such a challenging subject, especially for working moms. I was working when raising my daughter so she had to be scheduled. When my son was growing up,I was working at home. He had been scheduled for year round sports, tennis and swimming since first grade (we lived in FL). Finally I decided enough was enough so I took him out of both in the beginning of 4th grade. That’s when we discovered there was no one for him to play with after school. They were all scheduled. Finally, he returned to both sports and was really happy about it. Kids are not in environments where they can run, jump and play outdoors during the week like we used to do. Things have changed – for better or worse – we have to adapt and turn it into a positive reality. In my son’s case, one sport may have been ample, though he didn’t think so. Do your best!