Is Your Child Overscheduled?

Hello friends!

No one knows it all--that is for sure. And there is really nothing wrong with admitting it.  When we need a little extra advice, or want to learn about a new subject, we turn to experts!

With this blog I will introduce you to some of my friends, colleagues, contemporaries and new faces I meet along the way.  Each one has taught me something new, or made me stop and think about something I thought I knew in a new and creative way. I hope you find their advice as helpful as I do! 

First up, is developmental psychologist, professor, parenting expert and my friend, Dr. Myrna B. Shure, Ph.D.  Dr. Shure is the author of "Thinking Parent, Thinking Child," a terrific book for all of us who are involved in the  day to day journey of trying to "get it right" in raising our kids. 

Here, Dr. Shure raises an important question:  "Is Your Child Overscheduled?"  Hmmm....I have a feeling my daughter and I will differ in our answers to this question. 

Enjoy! 

Is Your Child Overscheduled?

by Myrna B. Shure, Ph.D

Is your child trying to do too much, too soon, too fast?

Music lessons, dance, soccer practice?  How much can your child take?

A friend of mine once said, "Everything in moderation."  This applies to children too.

Here's how you can help:

• Make a list of the activities your child has participated in -- and any new ones she has expressed interest in.

• Ask your child to cross out anything she would like to discontinue, or just list those she just must have in her life.

• Let your child plan her time.  Include time for homework, and that important time just to play with friends.

• Ask her if she thinks there's time for all the activities in her plan.

Most children will see the need to make fewer choices, and will decide on those

of greatest interest to them.

If your child thinks a different activity once a week for an hour is enough to satisfy her, let her experience that.  If he'd rather spend that time perfecting skills for just one of those options, let him go with that.

Children can plan their own days, with your help, as early as age 7.  They are more likely to stick to their own plan -- or change it to better suit their needs -- than the one their parents created for them.

Balance, moderation, and a plan of their own will help your children feel in control and less stressed.  And you'll feel less stress too.

         

          Myrna B. Shure is a developmental psychologist at Drexel University and author   of  Raising a Thinking Child," "Raising a Thinking Preteen" and Thinking Parent, Thinking Child." 
Her website is www.thinkingchild.com.  Dr. Shure can be reached at mshure@drexel.edu.