Is Your Child Overscheduled and On Overload?

Is your family life one big blur as you run frantically from one activity to another because you overscheduled your children in too many activities? Is it possible your child is now on overload as a result of keeping such a full schedule? Adults even get stressed when they spread themselves too thinly in their day-to-day activities. Why wouldn’t children be similarly affected?Alvin Rosenfeld, M.D, a child expert and author of the book, The Over-Scheduled Child: Avoiding the Hyper-Parenting Trap, indicates that scheduling your children in too many activities is a nationwide problem.Why would this be a problem? What are some possible signs that your child is on an out-of-control treadmill? How can a parent get the family back on track balancing their child’s schedule?

Signs that your child may be overload

There are signs or indicators that your child may be on overload. According to the experts, here are some things to watch for:
  • Headaches
  • Stomachaches
  • Fatigue
  • Decline in School Grades
  • Difficulty in Falling Asleep
You might be thinking that there are many reasons for the symptoms listed above; you would be correct. However, if you start eliminating and regulating your child’s activities and notice that these symptoms disappear, then you might be on the right track. In addition, remember that it is always wise to consult your personal physician when there is a question about your child’s health.

So how can you balance your child’s schedule and keep the family running smoothly?

 

Here are some guidelines:
  • Set priorities—family, school, and then activities. Activities should never replace time spent with the family. Blended families especially need to make sure they are spending family time together building quality relationships.
  • Always allow enough rest time during the day and between activities. Exhaustion should not be your goal! Your children are not mini-adults with the same level of an adult’s endurance.
  • Allow enough time for delays. Do you schedule activities back to back with no cushion time? Do you panic if there is a kink in the schedule? Or, worse yet, does your child panic when running a few minutes late? If so, your schedule may be too tight.
  • Schedule recreation. Recreation should be fun and refreshing with no expectations. Recreation can also be enjoyed as a family with lasting memories.

Here’s a serious point to think about. According to one expert, Andre Aelion Brooks, author of Children of Fast-Track Parents, some children exposed too early in life to extracurricular activities can develop stress disorders. Yes, you should consider the age of your child before putting them into any type of activity.

In a nutshell, use common sense when scheduling any activity for your children. Just as you have limits, so do your children. Children do not need to be busy 24/7. Have you ever seen a child that can’t sit still because they are so use to doing something all the time? Not a pretty picture.

Allow your child quiet time during the day. Also, give your children free time to be creative and to just be a “kid.” Your family life will be happier and run smoother when all in the family, including your children, are not overscheduled and on overload!

About the author

Rita has written numerous articles on the web relating to such subjects as healthy living tips, natural pet products, and even auto care. She loves to write poetry which you can read on her web site and does copywriting. She hopes you will enjoy the variety of subject matter as well when visiting her sites. http://www.tidbitsforhealthyliving.com. http://www.naturalstressbusters.com