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Longley Way Elementary School Arcadia, California |
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Principal’s Message |
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So Many Activities, Too Little Time
Greetings Longley Way Parents!
Soon it is the spring season…filled with soccer, tennis, music lessons, football, softball, track, gymnastics, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the list goes on! Remember it is good to keep children involved in different activities, but how do parents know how much is too much? Check out these tips from the National Association of Elementary Principals to help keep your children from being overscheduled. It might very well make your child’s life and yours, a lot less stressful!
Follow their passions. The best activities for children give them the opportunity to learn more about something they love. To make sure they keep their passion, keep their involvement to just a day or two a week. Get their input. Parents are often so eager to provide opportunities for their children that they sometimes forget the fun of just being a child. Ask your child to tell you what three things he or she most likes to do after school or in the summer. Then choose activities that meet their interests while also providing stimulation. Broaden their horizons. It’s always great to introduce your child to something totally new, whether it’s a new sport, a musical instrument, or a group like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. Be supportive, not critical. No matter what your child is interested in, remember that your job as a parent is to be supportive. The point of activities is to expand your child’s interests and abilities, not to make him or her a child prodigy or the next athletic superstar. Schedule down time. Creativity can’t happen if every minute of a child’s time is scheduled. Children need time to ponder, explore, and play. Make sure that when the day’s over and the homework’s done, there’s still time for your child to be a kid. Play the field. When it comes to sports, have your child try many sports out and learn which sport that they enjoy most. Mix it up. Child psychologists often suggest involving a child in no more than three activities at a time: one social activity, one physical activity, and one artistic activity. Watch for these signs. The stress of trying to keep up with too many planned activities can take a physical toll on your child. Watch for signs of stress, including stomachaches and headaches, difficulty paying attention, a drop-off in interest in activities he or she used to enjoy, and increased “clinginess” with a parent or other close adult. If you notice any of these signs, chances are your child needs to cut back on activities and de-stress.
Children need to have meals with their parents, hear bedtime stories, share chores, and play games. While you’re scheduling all their other activities to help them learn and grow, remember that what they most need to learn is that they are special and loved.
Happy Spring, Mrs. DuFresne
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