An Overfull Calendar?
The teenage girl was having so much stomach trouble, her mother insisted on a visit to her pediatrician. Was it something the 16-year-old had drunk or eaten?
As it turned out, it was something she was doing – or perhaps overdoing. "After a battery of tests, we determined it was her extra-curricular dance classes that were putting so much pressure on her," says Rob Engelhardt, MD, a pediatrician with Queen City Pediatrics Western Hills. When the teen cut out dancing, her symptoms disappeared.
Look at the Evidence
Parents and educators who claim today's children are too heavily scheduled would point to the girl's experience as proof that overbooking is unhealthful. Some cite a 2000 federal study of teens who had time to join their families for regular meals: Researchers found a strong link to school success, better psychological adjustment, lower rates of alcohol and drug use, and reduced chance of early sexual behavior.
Activists against over-programming claim that too many after-school lessons or sports sessions inject competition too early, with children feeling pressured to perform and excel not just at school, but in all activities. Children, they say, need unstructured time for play and imaging, away from adult assessment.
On the other hand, some studies show that children with a full schedule of school and other activities perform better in the classroom than their less-busy peers, with lower rates of substance abuse and sexual activity.
Some parents and educators contend that children will be entering a competitive world, and the earlier they master multi-tasking and performance pressure, the better.
Heed the Rationale
"I can see it both ways," says Dr. Engelhardt, father of four. "But the real question parents should ask is, 'Who is the child doing the sport or activity for?'
"If they're playing football or dancing because they love it, then it's the child's decision. If they're doing it because the parents believe it will help them get into a better school, then the parents need to look at their own motivations.
"Some parents worry about their children getting into high schools and colleges before they even start grade school."
Weigh the Impact
Dr. Engelhardt suggests other pros and cons to consider as parents evaluate their children's busy schedules.
On the plus side:
- Success in extra-curriculars can bolster self-esteem.
- Naturally shy children may need encouragement and a bit of a push to try new sports and activities. "Parents want them to have that social and peer relationship that comes out of extra-curricular activities," he notes.
- Exposure to lots of activities can let children discover their natural gifts and interests. "Then children should have some say in what they want to do."
On the negative side:
- Are the parents over-programming out of guilt? "Maybe every other child in the neighborhood has four activities, and parents feel pressured to give their children the same options," Dr. Englehardt says.
- Are parents over-compensating for opportunities they wish they'd had when they were young?
- "When children are young, it's OK for them not to be competitive, not to be too measured. How early do they need to learn time management?" he asks.
- Drive time affects everyone. "A 4-year-old's play time may be shortened by the drive between siblings' lessons.
"Over-programming can sneak up on a family very quietly," says Dr. Engelhardt. "If you suddenly realize you've not had dinner together in a week or 10 days, it's time to re-evaluate.
"The key is moderation, and the line will be different for each family and child."
