Many kids stay busy with an abundance of after-school and weekend activities. Parents act as chauffeur and cheerleader, but is all the frenzy good for the family?
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
Many kids stay busy with an abundance of after-school and weekend activities. Parents act as chauffeur and cheerleader, but is all the frenzy good for the family?
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Pee-wee soccer is a big team sport for small children. "We tried ... and it was awful. What 4-year-old is ready," asks mother Christina Comstock.
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
Pee-wee soccer is a big team sport for small children. "We tried ... and it was awful. What 4-year-old is ready," asks mother Christina Comstock.
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Parents want to help kids find their talents and passions, whether flute or football. But don't feel pressured to put your kids into too many activities, says clinical psychologist Paula Bloom.
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
Parents want to help kids find their talents and passions, whether flute or football. But don't feel pressured to put your kids into too many activities, says clinical psychologist Paula Bloom.
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Whether or not your child is destined to become an Olympic gymnast, it's critical to teach kids they're not defined by what they do, but by who they are, says Bloom.
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
Whether or not your child is destined to become an Olympic gymnast, it's critical to teach kids they're not defined by what they do, but by who they are, says Bloom.
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CNN's Josh Levs enrolled his eldest son in tennis lessons as a kindergartener but wonders if there were many other activities he should be trying. It's a trap many parents fall into.
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
CNN's Josh Levs enrolled his eldest son in tennis lessons as a kindergartener but wonders if there were many other activities he should be trying. It's a trap many parents fall into.
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Activities outside the classroom can help children develop discipline and independence. Bloom recommends being choosy about which activities to pick.
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
Activities outside the classroom can help children develop discipline and independence. Bloom recommends being choosy about which activities to pick.
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Activities like scouting can take a lot of time and resources from the whole family and might conflict with other sports or hobbies. The key is to find balance, Levs says.
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
Activities like scouting can take a lot of time and resources from the whole family and might conflict with other sports or hobbies. The key is to find balance, Levs says.
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If you tell your child to choose between two major activities, such as karate or ballet, will she someday resent having missed out on the other? Perhaps, Bloom says, but parents need to accept that.
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
If you tell your child to choose between two major activities, such as karate or ballet, will she someday resent having missed out on the other? Perhaps, Bloom says, but parents need to accept that.
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The key is to focus on the life lessons your kids are learning and not stress over the specific activities, Levs says. The goal is a confident child who knows how to "shine," he says.
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
The key is to focus on the life lessons your kids are learning and not stress over the specific activities, Levs says. The goal is a confident child who knows how to "shine," he says.
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Kids need time to explore and create their own rules and boundaries, says Robert Stephens, a dad and trainer. It can make for a more resourceful child.
Overscheduled kids, harried parents —
Kids need time to explore and create their own rules and boundaries, says Robert Stephens, a dad and trainer. It can make for a more resourceful child.
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