Quick Click: 12 Warning Signs That Your Child May Be Overscheduled
No time for sleep or homework? Cut back on extracurriculars.
There may not be a "right" number of activities for every child, but ask yourself these questions to check if your child's getting enough downtime.
• Does he act grouchy, mopey, or irritable?
• Can she fall asleep at bedtime?
• Are his grades slipping? Does he finish his homework?
• Has she started overeating?
• Does he zone out in front of the TV?
• Is she complaining of stomachaches, headaches, or mysterious illnesses?
• Does he grumble about being bored?
• Is she over-anxious about getting approval from authority figures?
• When you're heading out the door, does he throw a tantrum or "lose" equipment?
• Does she pick fights with her siblings or complain you don't love her as much?
• Can he keep track of where's he's supposed to be?
• Is her schedule draining you or your family members?
If your child exhibits a few of these behaviors on an ongoing basis, you may want to re-examine his after-school schedule.
Find more pointers for evaluating and scheduling extracurricular activities.
