Children are involved in all types of after school activities. There are sports teams, clubs, music lessons, and more. It is not uncommon for children to have practice or a ballgame almost every night of the week. Parents are very busy running from here to there to get each child to a different activity.
At some point in time we must stop and ask ourselves if it is possible that our children are too busy. Are they too involved in too many activities? Many times it is hard to decide if the children enjoy the activities that they are involved in or if the parents are pushing the children to be involved.
Some children take part in many activities because they feel the need to belong. They want to do the things that other children in their classroom or school are doing. Some children, especially middle school and high school students, feel that the more clubs and groups they join the more popular that they will be. Juniors and seniors are often told that activities look good on college scholarships and entrance applications.
In some cases, parents feel that by keeping their children busy and involved in after school and other activities that they are keeping their children out of trouble. They are afraid to give their children freedom to play and explore on their own terms. Parents are also afraid that other children will gain something that their children miss out on if they do not involve their children in activities.
The pressure on children to keep up with other children and the pressure on parents to keep up with the Jones can have a family running rapid every night of the week.
Before enrolling or signing your child up for an activity ask your child if he/she truly wants to be involved. If the activity is not fun for your child then it is not worth the time that it takes away from your family.
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