Picture this scene:
- 3:00 P.M. School is out for the day
- 3:30 P.M. Soccer practice
- 4:30 P.M. Dancing lesson
- 5:30 P.M. Dinner at McDonald’s
- 6:30 P.M. Church activity
- 8:00 P.M. Homework
- 9:30 P.M. Bedtime
Though that is an imaginary scene, I have to believe it is a replica of many children’s schedule being played out in homes all across the nation.
In my post last week, Crystal Breaux, my daughter and owner of Your Fitness Designer, shared with us “How to Help Your Kids Have a Healthy Life Style through exercise that included free playtime, as well as activities the whole family could be involved in to promote a Healthy Life Style.
Now, I am not the fitness expert in my family; I leave that to Crystal. But, I am looking at an issue kids seem to be facing today that, in my opinion, goes against a healthy life style and that is: The Overscheduled Child, as Hannah has illustrated so well.
From the things I hear from some young mothers, it sounds like the whole family is caught up in a juggling act trying to keep up with all the activities their children are involved in. Mothers tell me that, in addition to school obligations, their children are involved in numerous activities after school, such as,sports, music lessons, dance, karate, gymnastics, and church groups, to name a few. It makes me tired just listening to their schedule.
Now, mind you, I am no prudish grandma who thinks a child should not have activities outside the home. I made sure my own children were engaged in extra curricular activities when they were growing up. But, I believe there must be a balance in doing so, less the child and parent suffer from burn-out.
A good check list for balance might look something like this:
- Are your kids still sleepy as they begin a new school day?
- Are they grouchy?
- Do they seem stressed?
- Are you having to carpool with a friend just to keep up?
- Is there no time in their day for family time?
- Is there no time in their day for quiet time with God?.
I challenge you to google the question: “Are Today’s Kids Overscheduled” and see what professionals and educators have to say on the subject. Perhaps it will enlighten and encourage you to examine your own child’s schedule, and get back to the basics of what really matters — family time, and yes, quiet time with God.
I believe as children spend quality time with family and God, along with a balanced activity schedule, they will begin to get a glimpse of who God created them to be.
What are your thoughts?