| How much is too much? | | | | an instrument unless absolutely necessary. |
| | | | Above all, still allow your child some time |
| Many parents feel that it is important for | | | | to just relax and be himself. |
| children to participate in after school | | | | |
| activities. Certainly, sports, gymnastics, | | | | Your third grader is much more social. She |
| music and language classes do serve to create | | | | is interested in friends and at this time may |
| a well-rounded child, but overscheduling our | | | | be able to handle team sports. Sports help |
| children can become an issue. We as parents | | | | develop motor skills and the beginning of |
| may be hard-pressed to find a balance between | | | | learning about teams and good sportsmanship. |
| home life, school life and after school | | | | In addition, the artist in your little one |
| activities. We want our children to have fun | | | | may make itself known; painting, drawing and |
| and be creative outside of school, but we | | | | other art classes may be in order. Again, |
| also must step back and give them room to | | | | allow your child to explore the areas in |
| grow and to breathe. How do we decide how | | | | which s/he is interested and don't look for |
| much is too much? | | | | too much commitment. Always remember to |
| | | | schedule in quiet time and family activities. |
| In Kindergarten, even if your child has | | | | |
| attended preschool, he is just getting into | | | | The fourth grader is an interesting little |
| the routine of "real school". In many | | | | person. He's not quite primary, but not yet |
| districts, kindergarten is becoming more and | | | | upper elementary. This a transition period |
| more academic and structured, emphasizing | | | | for a lot of children. Involve your child in |
| reading and writing over playing and | | | | activities that will help boost the |
| socializing. In additional, if the | | | | confidence. By doing this, he will be able |
| kindergarten is full day, then your little | | | | to combat some of the peer pressure that may |
| one is ready to cut loose at the end of the | | | | come into play at this time. At the same |
| day. Keep it simple. Perhaps a swimming | | | | time, however, ensure that you are scheduling |
| class on Saturday mornings or one day during | | | | enough time for concentration on homework and |
| the week, or an art or music class. You may | | | | if extra help is needed, take advantage of |
| even choose not to enroll your child in after | | | | tutoring services that are available. |
| school activities at all, choosing instead to | | | | |
| let him "hang loose" in the after school | | | | Your fifth grader is now growing up a bit - |
| hours. | | | | moving into the upper elementary aspect of |
| | | | her academic career. Her social life is also |
| By the time your child reaches first grade, | | | | beginning to move to the forefront. |
| she has gotten into the "swing" of the school | | | | Channel that desire to be with others into |
| schedule and has matured. The concentration | | | | community service - teach your child that |
| level has improved slightly and she may be | | | | it's nice to do for others! Remember that |
| less antsy after school is over. Who likes | | | | homework and family time comes first; be |
| sitting at a desk for six hours anyway? | | | | sure to schedule for both. |
| Either way, let your little one have a | | | | |
| healthy outlet with a playground visit or a | | | | Middle school is a real turning point for |
| playdate with a classmate. Give her this | | | | many students. Keep television to a minimum |
| time to romp and have a good time as well as | | | | and keep up the good habits that have been |
| expend some energy. Physical activity is the | | | | formed thus far. Hopefully, the middle |
| best as it allows for growing bones and | | | | school and/or the community has activities |
| stretching muscles to do their thing. | | | | such as the chess club, math club, Girl/Boy |
| Personally, I would not recommend competitive | | | | Scouts, 4-H and the like. Keep up with the |
| sports - children need this time to grow and | | | | team sports, if the child is willing. |
| become comfortable with themselves and the | | | | |
| physicality of their bodies. | | | | As the parent, you always have the last word. |
| | | | Your child's activities and how long s/he |
| Second grade is the grade to watch! By this | | | | participates in these activities outside the |
| time, your child is astute enough to observe | | | | home is up to you to decide. Each child is |
| what's going on with his peers and can make | | | | different, so there are no set rules: what |
| an informed decision on his favorite after | | | | is good for one child may or may not be good |
| school activities. The best thing for | | | | for another. Take the time to communicate |
| parents to do is to ask what the child wants | | | | with your child to fully understand how he or |
| to do and follow along; allow for | | | | she really feels about the amount of |
| experimentation and exploration. Although | | | | activities - watch for burnout and adjust |
| the child may begin musical lessons at this | | | | accordingly. Above all, encourage your child |
| time, it is not recommended that you purchase | | | | to have fun! |