Should your child go for the football practice five or six days a week?
Are three days enough? Or, four to five days they should go It is common for parents to be somewhat confused, when it comes to deciding how much is too much with reference to after school activities.
They argue that since most of the activities are fun [as different from studies]. Children will simply lap up these classes. But, too much of fun can also make a child sick and bring addiction. Too much is also dangerous.
Here is a simple and easy guide that can help you decide how much is too much for your child.
1. Kindergarten:
Your child is just beginning to learn to interact and understand what is less, what is moderate, what is perfect or what is too much? His/her after school life should be simple and carefree. One or two classes per week are more than enough at the beginning. So, you should not give them stress too. Once the child settles down, look for more challenging activities like a music program or some extra activities they can do easily and with interest.
Grade 1:
Atleast one or two activities per week, play dates and playground visits are recommended. Also avoid competitive sports activities. The child is still too young to have worrying about winning and losing. After the carefulness of a full day at school, he or she needs a healthy outlet for suppressed energy.
Physical activities and non-competitive sports are best for this age.
Grade 2:
Your child is strong enough to voice opinions on what activities he/she wants to do. Sports, skating, swimming or computers and many more, steer him/she towards things he/she likes. Many children begin lessons on a musical instrument or something interesting around this age. But, leave your children alone for sometime during which he can unwind and just do whatever he/she wishes.
Grade 3:
Socialization begins to take center stage. One more option can be possible here that, team sports are also a good choice.
Developing motor skills are good too. Let the child explore more areas of interests. But leave them aside enough time for the family and for fun activities.
Grade 4:
At this age, your child will tell you what he/she likes. He/she needs to get involved in activities that will boost his/her confidence. This will also help him/her manage stress as this is the time when social pressure is beginning to build. But, beware of the homework demon and any extra stress and tension. They are just kids now, and you should not give much tension to them in this age. Your child needs more time with his/her studies. Balancing his school work with other activities is the most important thing.
Grade 5:
The fifth grader is bubbling with energy and want to do just about everything. But he/she may conveniently push studies to the background. So, close supervision will be needed. So, keep one or two days free for family time and other activities. Now, this is a great time to get your child interested in community service.
2. Middle school:
Steer him/her away from TV. At this age, children like to watch TV too much, and this too much will be danger for your child. They can get addicted to it. And addiction is the most dangerous thing ever. Get him engaged in new activities that reinforce learning. Academic performance can be improved by encouraging your preteen to join clubs like the GIRL/BOY SCOUTS PROGRAM, language clubs, chess clubs, etc. As the thumb rule, 16-20 hours a week of extra activity should be more than enough. But, also look out for signs of burn-out.
What you select for your children and how long they should work at it is basically decided by the children's temperament. As a parent, you should closely observe your children and base your decisions on feedback from the children themselves.
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