There was a time when being a kid did not involve needing a planner. Those days are long gone for many families in the new world of lessons, sports, classes, tutoring, clubs, church groups and academics. Many children have busier schedules than their parents, which means the parents’ schedules fill up, too.
Nicole Wise, co-author of The Overscheduled Child: Avoiding the Hyper-Parenting Trap feels over-scheduling children is not benefiting them. While extra-curricular activities are good, Wise says it is important to let kids decide for themselves what they want to be involved in, instead of having all of those decisions made for them.
However, Dr. Andrea Mata, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Findlay conducted her doctorate dissertation on extra-curricular involvement in children. She didn't see any correlation that lead her to believe that highly involved children are at risk for not doing well academically or emotionally due to their involvement.
Both experts agree that finding balance for your child, and your family, are important when considering how scheduled a child should be.
Guests:
- Nicole Wise, journalist and co-author of The Overscheduled Child: Avoiding the Hyper-Parenting Trap
- Dr. Andrea Mata, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Findlay in Ohio.
