The Overscheduled Child

Introduction
Breaking Point
Burnout
Cheer, not Criticise
Active not Overscheduled
Conclusion

Introduction

Research has shown that children involved in extra-curricular activities are less likely to be involved in risky behavior and have higher motivation for achievement. However, this idea has led to many children becoming over-scheduled in activities. This imbalance causes stress, anxiety, and burnout for children and parents. An over-booked child’s schedule might look like this:
Monday—Karate
Tuesday—Music lessons
Wednesday—Dance
Thursday—Voice lessons
Friday—Youth group
Saturday--Basketball
There is too much going on in this schedule. It does not include hours of practice needed for each activity, nor does it include school, homework, family time, or down time. Parents should help their children balance involvement in activities and encourage break time so that they can enjoy their childhood.

Breaking Point

How do you recognize if your child is over-scheduled?
Ask these questions:

Does the child go from one activity to another with little or no enthusiasm?
Is the child having trouble sleeping at night?
Does the child complain of not having enough time to spend with friends?
Is the phrase “hurry up or we’ll be late” used excessively?
When did the child last participate in “quality” family time?
Does your child have time to explore different interests (other than activities) that they may have?

Answering these questions can help determine if a child is following an over-scheduled routine their parents have created.

Burnout

An overscheduled child may lead to a less active teenager due to burnout. Children who play a sport with intensity for an extended period of time will eventually tire of the activity if it simply becomes routine, something to pass the time, or because the joy of the sport is lost.

The problem here is the number of different activities or the intensity of a specific activity will eclipse the beneficial experience they have with each. Burnout occurs when there is an imbalance between quantity and quality. They lose the desire to participate in other activities during later adolescent years and may become idle.

Cheer, not Criticize

When parents yell at their child to make the goal, catch the ball, and shoot the basket they are putting immense pressure on the child. Congratulating and encouraging the child to have fun is more beneficial than yelling.

Children feel the pressure of not wanting to disappoint their parents when they are yelled at during sports. Parents should ask themselves how they would like it if their boss were constantly yelling at them to turn that report in or win that case.

Active not Overscheduled

These guidelines will help you find a beneficial balance in your child’s schedule.

Reduce the amount of activities
Have the child pick one sport, one social activity, and one artistic activity
If he or she really enjoys more than one sport, encourage choosing seasonal sports, which provide alternating schedules
Social activities, such as Boy/Girl Scouts or 4-H, provide constant interaction with peers. This type of interaction offers a stable social community, which is positive for child development
Artistic components foster creativity and mental exercise
Increase Family Time
Over-scheduling encroaches on family time
Children need time to relax too
Family is essential to the healthy development of a child
Instead of enrolling your child in that second or third organized activity, try putting a family meal on the schedule

Conclusion

There is a healthy balance between over-scheduling and idleness. Research shows that extracurricular activities provide a positive outlet for children and lower the likelihood of risky behavior. However, over-scheduling a child introduces other stress factors that may lead to burnout. Overall, parents must let their kids be kids, and healthy communication will help you find the balance most beneficial for your child.