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How to find the perfect balance

Somewhere in between the bus stop, the soccer field, the scout meeting, and piano lessons parents may find themselves asking if their children are too “scheduled.” On the other hand, moms and dads are eager to provide their kids with ample opportunity to explore their talents and take advantage of the many activities that are offered.

Here are some things to consider while trying to help your family find a healthy balance and avoid the trap of scheduling insanity.

The first thing to consider is your son or daughter’s personality and how they are handling their school and extracurricular responsibilities. Schedules are not “one-size-fits-all,” and a child who is generally happy and well-adjusted has likely struck a good balance already. On the other hand, if your child is tired, frequently sick, or exhibiting signs of stress, you may consider talking to them about reevaluating their commitments and encourage them to take a break from one activity for a bit.

In addition, be sure to consider what your child would be doing if they gave up their after-school activities. Recent research has shown that kids do best when provided with structure and ample opportunity to improve skills, interact with peers, and challenge themselves. So, even if your son or daughter seems to be overwhelmed, it may be a better option to simply cut back on the frequency or duration of some activities rather than abandoning them all together in favor of sedentary pastimes (i.e., television, computer time, video games).

In the end, children typically thrive when provided with developmentally appropriate activities that encourage them to move their bodies and exercise their minds. It is up to parents to decide how late is too late for evening practice and how many miles are too many to drive in one evening. Keep an open dialogue with your children to provide them with a chance to talk about how they are handling their schedules and be sure to support them if they are struggling. Such discussions may provide wonderful opportunities to teach time management skills which will serve children well in all that they do.