2 minute read
FAMILY
from womanrd hre56
by coolkdei2
health &FAMILY
It’s not unusual for kids these days to have busier schedules than their parents. Dance and music lessons, sports practice, hobby clubs, Scouts and Girl Guides, extra tuition… their extracurricular activities can be full-on and, in some cases, become overwhelming. Often they’ve ended up doing too many things because they want to, not because you’re insisting on them. They may be desperate to try lots of different activities, and peer pressure can play a big part too. But even if they are busy because they want to try so many things, you may need to put your foot down about how much they take on out of school hours. Of course, these activities can be hugely beneficial, doing everything from improving fitness, promoting self-discipline and self-esteem, boosting social skills and encouraging teamwork. But they can also be exhausting and affect schoolwork if they overdo it. How much they take on can depend on age and their individual coping skills. Your child may have taken on too much if they: • Complain about being tired all the time • Appear to be stressed • Experience physical symptoms such as frequent headaches • Don’t do as well at school as they have previously • Are withdrawn, moody, irritable and anxious • Can’t keep on top of their schedule and miss activities • Change their sleeping and eating patterns. If you’re concerned they’re doing too much and it’s taking a toll, it’s time to step in. Don’t be afraid to advise them to pull the plug on some activities or say no to starting new ones. It’s your job as their parent to set limits. Something will have to give and you may need to be strong about that. S chool must come first. If extracurricular activities are sapping their time and energy, and their marks are affected, it’s time for something to go. Try not to let financial investment dictate whether they stick with an activity or not. F or example, don’t insist they continue with their ice-skating lessons because you’ve paid for skates. This is why it’s a good idea to look at hiring equipment or buying it second-hand if they’re trying a new activity –if they want to give it up, you w on’t feel like you’re throwing money away if you’ve spent lots on the gear they need. M ake sure family time and chill-out time are factored into their schedule. While it may look as though it’s possible to slot in extracurricular activities around schoolwork, bear in mind that it’s important for them to have downtime too. Consider your needs as well. Chauffeuring kids around to too many activities can put a lot of pressure on you or your p artner. If the running around is taking a toll on you and other family members, including their siblings, it’s time to simplify things for everyone’s sake.
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