How to Stop Overprogramming Kids

Parenting is hard work. As a parent, you're entirely responsible for keeping your children well fed, clean, and comfortable. You need to nurture them as infants, chase them through the toddler years, and then be sure they're receiving the best possible education when they reach school age. Parents need to encourage kids to take part in activities, and then pull in the reins when they're doing too much.

So, how much is too much? Should your 9-year old really be taking part in football practice five days a week, or is three days enough? It's common for parents to be a little confused when deciding how much is too much with reference to after-school activities. Parents feel there's no problem with letting their kids take part as much as they want because, unlike studies, these activities are fun. But too much activity can actually make a child sick.

Limiting after-school activities can be a difficult task. The following guide will help you decide if you child is doing too much:

Kindergarten:

At the age of five or six, children are just beginning to learn to interact and respect discipline. At this point, after-school programs should be simple and carefree. At the beginning, one or two classes per week are enough. Once the child settles in, you can begin looking at other activities such as sports or music programs.

Grade 1:

First-grade students are just getting used to full days of classroom time, so limiting after-school activities is important. Play dates, playground visits and one or two activities per week is recommended. After the rigors of a full day at school, he or she will need a healthy outlet for pent up energy. Physical activities and noncompetitive sports are the best choices for this age. Avoid competitive sports activities, as kids this age are too young to have to deal with winning and losing.

Grade 2:

At this stage of life, your child is old enough to voice thoughtful opinions on what activities he or she likes and wants. There are programs involving skating, swimming, computers, sports -- whatever strikes a chord of interest. Many children begin music lessons at this age. Encourage your child to tell share his or her interests, and then choose a program. Remember though, kids need to have time to be kids and just hang out. At this age, limiting after school activities is still important.

Grade 3:

Socialization begins to take center stage by the third grade. Team sports are a great choice for kids of this age, as are opportunities to paint, draw, and develop motor skills. Let your child explore areas of interests, but leave time for fun and family activities.

Grade 4:

By the age of 9 or 10, kids are definitely voicing opinions on what they like and don't like. This is a crucial age for personal development, so children need to be involved in activities that will boost their self-confidence. Social pressures are also starting to build, and group activities are important ways to learn stress management techniques. But, beware the homework demons that demand your child spend more time studying. You'll find that limiting after school activities to balance homework with other interests is crucial for your child's success.

Grade 5:

Fifth graders are bursting with energy and want to do just about everything. At this age, it's typical for kids to want to push their studies aside to make room for fun activities. Your close supervision is required. This is a great age to get kids interested in community service activities that your entire family can take part in.

Middle school:

Your adolescent child is going through the most difficult stage of his or her young life. Pre-teens feel the pressures of school, home responsibilities, athletic achievements and most importantly (to them, at least) peers. At this age, academic performance can hit a slippery downward slope. Steer your child away from television, and encourage him or her to enhance their academic performance by taking part in scouting programs, chess clubs, reading groups or even taking a second language course. While your child is going through big emotional changes, he or she is growing physically as well, and requires plenty of rest. As a rule of thumb, extra activities should be limited to 16-20 hours a week. Give your kids a little space, but watch carefully for signs of burnout.

The programs you select for your child, and the length of time you're willing to let him or her take part, should be decided in part by your child's temperament. As a parent, you should closely observe your child's interests and activities, and include his or her feedback in your decision. Limiting after school activities is an important part of being a responsible parent.

Check out our informational and other after school activities.