My nine-year old son has suddenly become reluctant to take part in extra-curricular activities. He usually does these most afternoons as I prefer him to do valuable sports and learning activities rather than spend too much time with my helper at home. However, he has become lethargic and disinterested in most things out of school and has offered no explanation even though I have tried to talk to him about it.
Teacher Julie McGuire replies:
It sounds like your son may be overscheduled and overloaded. Of course as parents you feel compelled to give your son every advantage.
However, this can often be misunderstood as cramming children's time with activities. On top of homework this can be too much. Some child psychiatrists are noting that overscheduled children are anxious, angry and burned out. This can show itself in frequent tantrums, meltdowns, constant tiredness or difficulty in sleeping.
A recent study in the US shows that children today have half as much free time as they did 30 years ago. Learning expert Professor Kathy Hirsh-Pasek says: 'There is a myth that doing nothing is wasting time, when it's actually extremely productive and essential.'
She goes on to outline the critical life skills that come from children having a sensible amount of free time: exploring the world at their own pace, indulging in fantasy play, being scientists, creators and innovators. Perhaps most importantly time to revel in 'the joys of just being a kid'.