These days, many kids have a jam packed schedule where they juggle coaching classes, sports class and extracurricular activities  too. Parents often want their children to excel in every way, believing that in today’s competitive world, learning extra skills early on is beneficial and learning more is never bad. While there’s nothing wrong with encouraging kids to learn and grow, it’s important to ask if this comes at the expense of  simple childhood joys and free time.

Children need time for free play and unstructured play, where they can explore and enjoy themselves without a planned agenda. This free time is crucial for their development and helps stimulate their creativity and brain growth. So, how much is too much when it comes to extracurricular activities? 

Renowned child psychologist David Elkind’s best-seller book, The Hurried Child, talks about allowing children the opportunity to explore interests at their own pace. In this book, Elkind says that parents find it increasingly difficult to find a fine balance between parents throwing open as many opportunities to their children as possible to the extent of overburdening them. He mentions in his book that instead of overwhelming children with a packed schedule, they should be allowed to explore their interests at their own pace. This helps them develop a sense of self and fosters a genuine love for learning. 

He also recommends finding a balance between structured activities and free play. Children should have enough time to relax, be creative, and engage in spontaneous activities that are not dictated by adults.

 

Related story: How to Encourage Your Child to be Active?

 

What is Free Play and Why is it Important?

Free play is when children have the complete freedom to choose how they play, including selecting their play materials, deciding their interests, and creating their own scenarios. This unstructured time allows children to express themselves according to their mood, interests, and the situation they find themselves in. As Ferdousi Khanom, education and child development expert from the BRAC Institute of Educational Development at BRAC University explains, every child is unique and may express their creativity in different ways—some might prefer drawing, while others might enjoy solving puzzles alone.

Free play is crucial for several reasons. It fosters creativity, as children are free to imagine and create without constraints. Independent play also helps build self-reliance, as children learn to entertain themselves and solve problems on their own. Khanom highlights that when children play alone, they engage their imagination and develop problem-solving skills, which are essential for their growth and independence. By providing ample opportunities for free play, parents support their child's emotional and cognitive development, preparing them for future challenges and fostering a love for learning.

 

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Ask Yourself As A Parent:

Is Your Child Able to Enjoy Being a Kid, or Are They Overwhelmed by Extracurricular Demands?
As a parent, it's important to reflect on whether your child truly has the opportunity to enjoy their childhood or if their daily life is consumed by academic and extracurricular demands. Consider whether your child has time for spontaneous play, creative activities, and relaxation, or if their schedule is so packed that they are constantly focused on being a student or participant in structured activities. Childhood should be a time for exploration, imagination, and joy, not just a series of tasks and achievements.

Ask yourself if your child has moments in their day where they can simply be themselves without any expectations or pressures. Are there opportunities for them to engage in unstructured play, spend time with friends, or pursue hobbies purely for fun? Ensuring that your child has this balance is crucial for their emotional and mental well-being, helping them to grow into well-rounded individuals who value both their achievements and their personal time.

 

Related story: Does Your Child have Separation Anxiety?

 

Know The Importance of Free Play

Free play is really important for kids because it helps them be creative, solve problems, and feel happy. Unlike structured activities, free play lets children explore their own interests and use their imagination without any rules or limits. This kind of play helps them develop their thinking and social skills as they come up with ideas and interact with others in a laid-back way.
It also helps with their overall health and well-being. Free play reduces stress and encourages kids to be active, which is great for their bodies and minds. Through free play, kids learn about themselves and the world around them, building confidence and a sense of autonomy.

 

Related story: 10 Ways to Support Your Child's Mental Health

 

Subtle Signs That Your Child Might Be Overwhelmed

• Increased Irritability
• Lack of Enthusiasm
• Exhaustion
• Decline in Academic Performance
• Withdrawal from Social Activities
• Frequent Illness
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Behavioural Changes
• Decreased Attention Span

 

Related story: 20 Phrases Your Child Wants to Hear

 

What’s The Right Age to Enrol Your Kids in Various Activities?
 

The right age to introduce your child to various activities varies greatly depending on the child’s individual interests and developmental stage. Every child is unique, and their readiness for different activities will differ based on their personal preferences and how they grasp new concepts. If your child seems to genuinely enjoy and engage with the activities they are involved in, it can be beneficial to continue supporting those interests. However, if you notice that your child is becoming overwhelmed or is missing out on the simple pleasures of childhood due to a heavily structured schedule, it may be wise to reconsider the number of activities they are involved in. Sometimes, it’s better to step back and allow them to enjoy a more relaxed, free-form experience before reintroducing structured activities at a more appropriate time.

 

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