Over-scheduling Kids

Several studies are expressing a growing concern that after school
programs are pressurizing kids to do too much too soon. They point out
that when a child's afternoon is filled with classes, trips, sports and
other forms of organized activities, kids do not really get the time to be
just kids. They are even being deprived of the cherished family time.

Undoubtedly, there are children who are being burdened with a schedule
that places too much demand on their time. This leads to increased levels
of stress on the child and the family. As regular studies cannot be
ignored, children are almost always on the run to achieve more. Such
children are really bearing a burden that is too heavy for their frail
little shoulders.

In an ideal world, all children would go home directly after school to
loving and caring parents who are waiting for the children to come home.
But the social and economic realities show that many children have to
attend after school courses because there is no one available at home. For
such children, these classes are a boon.

Parents should however restrain themselves from reading too much into
these activities. After school programs are complimentary in nature. They
give additional support. Therefore, their importance should also be
limited.

Other Articles:

A Home-based After School Program
After School Activities And Burnout
After School Activities And Relationship Building
After School Activities For The Overweight
After School Activity For The Hyperactive Child
After School Program - Recreational Vs. Educational
After School Programs And Discipline
After School Safety - Tips And Reminders
Art-based Activities
Benefits Of A Good After School Program
Boring After School Activities
Developmental After School Programs
Effective After School Activities
How Much Is Too Much?
How To Find After School Activities
Keeping Children Motivated
Need For After School Activities
Over-scheduling Kids
Potentials Of After School Programs
Quirky After School Programs
Reading Activities
Recreational After School Programs
School Based After-school Programs
Successful After School Programs
The Learning Environment
Too Much Of School