5 Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to School: Tip #3

Tip #3: Don't Overcommit to After School Activities

Can your Go, Go, Go lifestyle be a No, No, No?! Sometimes... Less is more! In today's society, children are provided with countless options for after school activities... Theater, Swimming, Hockey, Enrichment Classes, Musical Lessons, Service Projects... the list goes on and on! It isn't just, "Oh my child plays soccer." Children have become overbooked and parents often find themselves saying, "My child is on 3 soccer teams (2 local and 1 travel team), gymnastics, piano AND karate." Especially in the fall as new activity schedules are coming out, this overcommitment often leads to skipping out on certain activities and picking and choosing the priority for the weekend. There is a valuable lesson to teach our children about having a commitment to an activity and sticking to it, not picking based on your favorite one.

While it is key to allow your child to try new things, be very cautious not to spread him or her too thin. They don't control their schedule (you do!), and they can easily become overtired, anxious, and stressed with all of their commitments. Start slow, and remember you can always add on. It is harder to pull back when you initially overcommit to extracurriculars. If you determine there is a lot more wiggle room in your child’s schedule, add another activity in late fall or winter.

Remember, it is OKAY if they have a few days a week where they are not scheduled for activities. At the end of the day…. Let your kids be kids!

Instagram for Tip #4... Coming Soon!