After School Activities For Your Child: How Much Is Too Much?

Should your child go for the football practice 5 days a week? Are 3 days enough? It is common for parents to be a little confused when it comes to deciding how much is too much with reference to after school activities.

They argue that since most of the activities are fun (as different from studies), children will simply lap up these classes. But, too much fun can also make a child sick. Here is a simple guide that will help you decide how much is too much for your child.

Kindergarten:

Your child is just beginning to learn to interact and get used to discipline. His or her after-school life should be simple and carefree. One or two classes per week are enough at the beginning. Once the child settles down, look for more challenging activities like a music program.

Grade 1:

One or two activities per week, play dates and playground visits are recommended. Avoid competitive sports activities. The child is still too young to have to worry about winning and losing. After the rigors of a full day at school, he or she needs a healthy outlet for pent up energy. Physical activities and noncompetitive sports are best for this age.

Grade 2:

Your child is old enough to voice opinions on what activities he or she wants. Sports, skating, swimming or computers – steer him towards things he likes. Many children begin lessons on a musical instrument around this age. But, allow your child some ‘alone time’ during which he can unwind and just do whatever he wishes.

Grade 3:

Socialization begins to take center stage. Team sports are a good choice. Developing motor skills, painting, drawing etc are good too. Let the child explore areas of interests. But leave aside enough time for the family and for fun activities.

Grade 4:

At this age, the child will tell you what he likes. He needs to get involved in activities that will boost his confidence. This will also help him manage stress as this is the time when social pressure is beginning to build. But, beware of the homework demon. Your child needs more time with his studies. Balancing his schoolwork with other activities is very important.

Spending time with family is important for kids of all ages

Grade 5:

The fifth grader is bubbling with energy and will want to do just about everything. But she or he may conveniently push studies to the background. So, close supervision is needed. Keep one or two days free for family time and other activities. Now is a great time to get your child interested in community service.

Middle school:

Steer him away from TV. Get him engaged in activities that reinforce learning. Academic performance can be improved by encouraging your preteen to join clubs like the Girl/Boy Scouts program, language clubs, chess clubs etc. As a thumb rule, 16 to 20 hours a week of extra activity should be more than enough. But look out for signs of burnout.

What you select for your child and how long he should work at it is basically decided by the child’s temperament. As a parent, you should closely observe your child and base your decisions on feedback from the child himself.

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Educational Resources for Parents:

Nurturing the Winner & Genius in Your Child – With the right approach and communication strategies, you will be amazed to find that any underperforming, unmotivated child can unleash his full potential and transform into a top achiever instantly. Written by Adam Khoo, a best seller author and peak performance trainer, and co author Gray Lee, a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming™ (NLP) trainer and an MBTITM accredited facilitator this book will help you understand why children behave the way they do and transform the way you communicate with your children.
Mind Power Games For Kids – Tap into your child’s curiosity, natural talents and creativity. Most parents do not know how to nurture their children to unlock their individual gifts, creativity, thinking and learning. This series is packed with activities to help children develop their thinking and learning skills.
Amazing Science Discovery: Making Science Fun For Kids – Want your kids to grow up thinking science is fun and cool? Re-discover science with your grade-school age kids and learn how you can support your budding scientist and turn your kids’ natural curiosity into a love for science. This has everything you need to turn your child’s natural curiosity to a love for science.