Parents want the best for their children, and this can mean different things to different people. For some it means doing well academically in school, for others it means always being kind and generous. For some, it means that their child is always successful and has a long resume that is full of activities that they have accomplished. Some mothers see a full calendar, full of scheduled sports and activities, and feel that their child is accomplished and that is important to them. However, is it what is right for the child?

Extracurricular activities are important for children, for many reasons, but there has to come a point when mom wonders if there is ever a thing as too much? We always hear the saying about too much of a good thing, but how much truth does that hold? Surely, a child who does a lot of activities will end up well-rounded and successful, right? The truth is, they may but at what cost and this is what we need to explore. We need to explore the benefits of activities, the possible downfall of having too much, and what the right number is.

RELATED: Extracurricular Activities Offer Benefits For School-Aged Kids

The Benefits

Understanding the benefits of extracurricular activities can help us understand why we see other moms signing their children up for a lot, or why we are drawn to sign our children up for a lot of activities. According to Good Schools, the benefits of extracurricular activities can not be overlooked. They allow children to build skills outside of the classroom and beyond their circle of friends. They learn key skills like teamwork and sportsmanship in a way that interests them.

When it comes to school and education, a long history of extracurricular activities can look good on a resume for colleges, and this can be a huge motivator behind a mom who has her child in something every day of the week. It also lets them explore new hobbies and interests, which can give them a good challenge and a sense of determination.

Too Many Is Too Many

The short answer is that there can be such a thing as too many extracurricular activities, and it can take a toll on a child’s mental health. According to Parenting from the Heart Blog, studies have been done to show that there is a point when it is too much on a child, and at the time when children started to be enrolled in activities, was when the rates of depression and anxiety among youth skyrocketed.

Experts believe that when we enroll children in too many activities, we rob them of the chance to just be kids, and do what kids want to do. They lose a sense of self-control on what they want to do, and while children do thrive with routines, it can become all-consuming and lead to heightened levels of stress, depression, and anxiety.

How Do You Know It Is Too Many?

Now that we know that there is such a thing as too many extracurricular activities, it is important to be aware of how we can tell when it is too much. According to Parents Canada, there are some signs our children will show us when they are in too many activities, and these are the things that parents should be aware of. If a child is sleep-deprived or showing signs of being constantly tired, they likely need a break.

If they start complaining about going to certain activities, it may be time to revisit if they should be enrolled. Too many activities can also cause a child to fall behind in school and not want to hang out with their friends, and these are all signs that a child is stressed.

What Is The Right Amount?

Now, children do need extracurricular activities, but what is the right number? According to Today’s Parent, that question is hard to answer because it will depend on each individual family, but there are some factors to look at. Mom wants to look at the cost, and if all the activities are making it difficult for her to purchase anything else, then it may be a sign to cut back. Mom also needs to think about time, and how her child manages being rushed and pushed out the door every day for activities.

It is about thinking more about the quality of life for their children, and maybe that time would be better spent doing an activity at home. Learning and growing can happen with home activities too.

Lastly, mom wants to really listen to her child and what they want to do. If they don’t want to play an instrument, it should not be pushed just to “have on a resume.” One or two activities that a child really enjoys a week is better than 5 or 6 that they don’t really care about.

Sources: Good Schools, Parenting From The Heart Blog, Parents Canada, Today’s Parent