Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

10-13-2022

Is Your Child's Schedule Balanced?

After-school activities can enrich your child's life. But sometimes, even a good thing can be too much. Some kids have schedules that are busier than most adults', with at least one activity every day.

How can you make sure your child's schedule is balanced? From time to time, review it and ask yourself:

Does your child really enjoy every activity? Is your child the one who usually reminds you that it's time to go to practice or a lesson? Or do you have to nag your student to get ready?
Does your child want to participate in each activity? Or is it you who cares about it?
Does your child have time to complete assigned schoolwork, or is it a constant struggle?
Does your child have enough time just to be a kid—to read, play, relax?
Has your child ever cried or shown signs of real stress before going to a practice or lesson?
What impact does each activity have on your family life?

In the end, you have to trust your own judgment. What's too much for one child may be just right for another. If you suspect your child is over-involved, have a talk together. Explain that it's OK to drop an activity. (You may even have to make the decision for your child, especially if schoolwork has suffered.) And make it clear that you love your child no matter what is or isn't on the list of activities.

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

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