Calendar is too full         

Syndicated column from The Parent Institute

[DEC. 29, 2005]  Q: My kids are involved with so many activities. We always seem to be rushing off to another class or driving to another practice. When I look at last year's calendar, I realize it was just way too full. There are so many opportunities available, but how can I manage it all?

A: Parents sometimes worry that they'll be shortchanging their children if they don't involve them in all those activities. But consider the impact on your family life. What is the family sacrificing so your children can be in these activities?

Check your own lifestyle. Are you overcommitted? Exhausted? Have no time for what gives you joy? Your children are likely to mirror you. So, relax. Help your family find more time for togetherness. Tell your children that you want to cut down on some of the activities this year.

Schedule a time to talk with your children individually. Ask them to choose one or two activities that are most important. This will teach your children to make some choices. Some may even surprise you. Even if you loved seeing your son take piano lessons, he may tell you that's not what he's interested in.

Get the family together and start filling out your new calendar. Build in more family time now. You'll have time for other activities later on. Include some of the following:

• Family night. Designate one night a week to watch a movie, pop popcorn and simply be together with no rushing.

• Fun time. Schedule dates for the zoo, the children's theater or an afternoon to bake cookies. Keep the dates.

• Dining out. Go out to eat together. Try new foods. Practice table manners.

• Sporting events. Go to a community ballgame. Cheer for your home team.

• Go to the library or book store. Schedule time to talk about what you're reading.

• Volunteer together. Try visiting residents at a nursing home. They will love it -- and you will get even more out of it than they will.

• Turn off the TV. Play a board game once a week. After initial resistance, kids and adults will love it and look forward to the time together.

With all the activities available to children today, it's easy to get so involved that you lose sight of their most important priority -- getting an education. Help your children learn how to take part in the activities they enjoy but still have time for studying, for family -- and just growing up.

For more information about helping children learn or to submit your own question, go to http://advisor.parent-institute.com. All questions will receive a prompt answer by e-mail.

Copyright 2006, The Parent Institute

[The Parent Institute]

For more information about helping children learn or to submit your own question, go to http://advisor.parent-institute.com. All questions will receive a prompt answer by e-mail.

Copyright 2005, The Parent Institute

"Ask the Learning Advisor -- Ideas for Raising Successful Children" is a free, syndicated column from the Parent Institute.