How much is too much?

Should your child go for the football practice 5 days a week? Are 3 daysenough? It is common for parents to be a little confused when it comes todeciding how much is too much with reference to after school activities.They argue that since most of the activities are fun (as different fromstudies), children will simply lap up these classes. But, too much of funcan also make a child sick. Here is a simple guide that will help youdecide how much is too much for your child.

Kindergarten:Your child is just beginning to learn to interact and get used todiscipline. His or her after-school life should be simple and carefree.One or two classes per week are enough at the beginning. Once the childsettles down, look for more challenging activities like a music program.

Grade 1:One or two activities per week, play dates and playground visits arerecommended. Avoid competitive sports activities. The child is still tooyoung to have to worry about winning and losing. After the rigors of afull day at school, he or she needs a healthy outlet for pent up energy.Physical activities and noncompetitive sports are best for this age.

Grade 2:Your child is old enough to voice opinions on what activities he or shewants. Sports, skating, swimming or computers - steer him towards thingshe likes. Many children begin lessons on a musical instrument around thisage. But, allow your child some ‘alone time’ during which he can unwindand just do whatever he wishes.

Grade 3:Socialization begins to take center stage. Team sports are a good choice.Developing motor skills, painting, drawing etc are good too. Let the childexplore areas of interests. But leave aside enough time for the family andfor fun activities.

Grade 4:At this age, the child will tell you what he likes. He needs to getinvolved in activities that will boost his confidence. This will also helphim manage stress as this is the time when social pressure is beginning tobuild. But, beware of the homework demon. Your child needs more time withhis studies. Balancing his schoolwork with other activities is veryimportant.

Grade 5:The fifth grader is bubbling with energy and will want to do justabout everything. But she or he may conveniently push studies to thebackground. So, close supervision is needed. Keep one or two days free forfamily time and other activities. Now is a great time to get your childinterested in community service.

Middle school:Steer him away from TV. Get him engaged in activities that reinforcelearning. Academic performance can be improved by encouraging your preteento join clubs like the Girl/Boy Scouts program, language clubs, chessclubs etc. As a thumb rule, 16-20 hours a week of extra activity should bemore than enough. But look out for signs of burnout.

What you select for your child and how long he should work at it isbasically decided by the child’s temperament. As a parent, you shouldclosely observe your child and base your decisions on feedback from thechild himself.

Technorati Tags: , ,