Help Your Child Balance a Schedule

Author: Shannon Miller Lifestyle

It seems like kids today have a lot more going on with school and many extracurricular activities.

Often they can spread themselves way too thin and become burned out. Many kids push themselves academically doing homework until one or two in the morning or loading up on various clubs and community service projects on the weekends, leaving virtually no time for rest or down time.

It is important to try and find the right balance.

Here are some tips from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (by way of Everyday Health) to help your children maintain a good balance between academics and activities:

• Time management check – Check in with your child and make sure that their schedule is manageable and not over-whelming.

• Divide your attention equally – Be sure that you are spending equal time in helping with homework, sports, plays, etc…

• Don’t push in the wrong direction– Talk to your child and help them decide on an extracurricular that they will enjoy…not your choice, but theirs!

• Promote real-world activities – Encourage getting involved in the school newspaper or language clubs. These are a good way to help you child enjoy some of their subjects.

• Encourage role models– We all need role models, but especially our kids. Many times these relationships are found through their teachers, coaches, or guidance counselors.

• Encourage friendships -Part of being in a club or extracurricular activity is the possibility of making new friends and building lasting relationships.

• Promote teamwork and health competition – Teach your kids about the value of good teamwork and healthy competition.

• Discuss good sportsmanship and building self-esteem – Healthy competition is a good thing. Discuss both the winning and losing aspects with your child.

• Be honest about the costs of the extra’s – Discuss with your the child the cost of the “extra’s” they are wanting to do so that they will understand the financial commitment being made.

• Know that it is normal to switch gears – It is important that your child try new things and that switching activities is very normal. Let them try something that you may have never thought of.

Most schools offer many extracurricular activities and there are benefits for your child to be involved in a few them. Just be aware and and stay on top of your child’s schedule to make sure they are not overloading it. You want to try and help them and find that right balance of academics and all the extra’s!

Source:  “Balancing School with Extracurricular Activities”, everydayhealth.com