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    The Mental Health Dangers of an Over-Stuffed School Schedule

    April 3, 2019

    For their children to succeed as adults, many parents think they’ve got to be involved in numerous extracurricular activities. Perhaps we believe this abundance of activities will foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. But is this excessive involvement in activities doing more harm than good?

    According to a study published in the journal “Sport, Education, and Society,” the social demands of an extracurricular-heavy schedule are not only placing an unprecedented strain on families, but also potentially harming children’s development and well-being.

    The researchers interviewed 50 families of primary-aged children and found that 88% of the kids were involved in extracurricular activities four to five days a week. These activities were the central focus of family life, especially in households with more than one child. As a consequence, families were spending less quality time together and children were exhausted.

    The researchers from the journal “Sport, Education, and Society” were quick to warn parents of the potential negative impact of an over-stuffed school schedule: “Raising awareness of this issue can help those parents who feel under pressure to invest in their children’s organized activities, and are concerned with the impact of such activities on their family, to have the confidence to plan a less hectic schedule for their children.”

    Helping Your Child Find a Balance

    In order for extracurricular activities to do more good than harm, parents have to make sure family time takes precedence. Here are some ways you can help your child find a balance:

    Let Kids be Kids

    Make sure there is enough non-structured time for kids to express themselves in creative ways. This freedom allows children time for the joy of self-discovery. Adult-organized activities can restrict this natural inclination.

    Recognize the Importance of Family Time

    As I mentioned, the study found that too many kid activities lead to a major strain on family time. Other studies have shown the importance of family bonds to a child’s development and well-being. While you may initially feel hesitant in taking your child out of some of their activities, just remember the benefits of spending more time as a family.

    Talk to Your Child

    Don’t decide which activities stay and which go without first getting input from your child. He or she should be able to help decide the activities that bring them the most benefits and joy.

     

    Nowadays, kids and adults can find themselves juggling way too many responsibilities. It’s important for all of us to slow down, relax, and spend as much time as we can as a family. If you’re looking for an expert to help your family come together again, please reach out to me today.

     

    Sources:

    https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/05/15/too-many-extracurricular-activities-for-kids-may-do-more-harm-than-good/135388.html

    https://psychcentral.com/news/2016/12/01/parents-should-not-put-too-much-pressure-on-kids/113269.html

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200301/are-we-pushing-our-kids-too-hard


    Harini Sukumaran is a Licensed Individual ( Women), Child & Family Counselor, Play Therapist, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner/ Trainer, Reiki Grand Master and Yoga Teacher. She is passionate about helping children of all ages ( 3+ yrs ) holistically to become less stressed by giving them and their parents tools, support and encouragement. Her specialization also includes helping Women suffering from trauma, PTSD depression, anxiety and Pregnancy/Postpartum mood disorders. Harini’s passion for holistic treatment of Mind and Body motivated her to create MindTree, a Holistic Counseling & Wellness Center to help Individuals (Women), children ( Play Therapy) and families in Portland, OR.

    MindTree Holistic Counseling & Wellness Center LLC
    5440 SW Westgate Dr # 210
    Portland, Oregon 97221

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    mindtree

    MindTree Holistic Counseling & Wellness Center LLC


    5440 SW Westgate Dr, #210
    Portland, Oregon 97221

    Phone: (503) 766-4895
    Fax: (503) 716-4699
    Email us: info@mindtreeholisticcounseling.com


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    • Home
    • Telehealth
    • About
      • Our Team
      • Our Office
      • COVID 19 Response
      • Join Our Team
      • COVID 19 Safety Protocol
    • Services
      • Family Counseling
      • Counseling for Women
      • Play Therapy for Children and Teens Approach
      • Pregnancy and Postpartum Therapy
      • Counseling for Men
      • Relationship & Couples Counseling
      • Yoga & Mindfulness for Children
      • Psychotherapeutic Reiki for Women’s Anxiety
      • Distance Reiki Healing
      • Reiki Energy Healing for Children
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      • Pay My Bill
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        • Mental Health Resources – Portland
    • Blog
    • Dhyana Yoga/Movement Studio
      • Rent our Event center
      • Class Schedule
      • Parent Mentoring – CPRT
    • Training
      • About Institute
      • Integrative Reiki – Level 1 & 2
    • Contact