Would you agree that we over-schedule our children?

Let's look at the consequences of hyper-scheduling our kids.

• Everyone has higher stress levels

• We don’t have time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, such as having a cup of tea together, reading a book, or going for a walk

• Our family time is compromised by some of our kids being in classes in the evening

• Too many of us can’t find time for family meals 

• Everyone is exhausted which leads to irritability and outbursts of temper

Yet, our minds and our bodies need downtime when we can relax and experience life at a slower pace.

6 Reasons to Limit Extra-Curricular Activities or Why Leisure Time Matters More

1. Hobbies

Children need leisure time to use their creative minds and learn how to entertain themselves with hobbies such as needlepoint, knitting, collecting stamps, or building model airplanes. 

2. Social Skills

Leisure time also allows children to go outdoors and play with the neighborhood kids or visit a friend, both of which are crucial to developing social skills. 

And sometimes, like us, a child just wants to lie down and read a book. 

3. Read a Book

There are a lot of reasons why children don't read today, but is one of them because they don’t have enough leisure time to develop the habit of reading?

4. Family Time

When each child has different extra-curricular activities, there's little time for shared activities as a family. 

If you're rushing to get Anna to ballet lessons, you have no time for an afternoon reading with your children or taking them to the park. 

Without intending for it to happen, sometimes extra-curricular activities can become the priority while quality time spent as a family gets pushed to the background.

5. Lack of Energy

Some children need more downtime than others. The over-scheduling of their day can result in fatigue and a loss of enthusiasm. 

6. Skipped Family Meals

Often the extra-curricular activities take place in the evenings leaving no one home to cook or serve a family meal. Consequently, the other kids eat with dad while you rush Adam to soccer practice. 

Putting It into Perspective

At the end of the day, what’s more important?

When your children are grown and gone, what will matter more; that Adam was a good soccer player or that he became a responsible and active member of your family, and you developed an unbreakable bond with your son?

Instead of over-scheduling your children, why not let each child take one class making sure that it doesn't interfere with the evening meal or weekend activities?

Allow your children time to figure out what they enjoy doing, what they're good at, and, ultimately, gain a better sense of who they are.

☞ Disclaimer: This is not a politically-correct blog.

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Elizabeth Y. Hanson is an Educator, Homeschool Emerita, Writer, and a Love and Leadership Certified Parenting Coach with 20+ years of experience working in children’s education.

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