Overloading child with too many extracurricular activities can do more harm than good, potentially affecting the children's development and well-being, a new study suggests.
According to the new study published in the journal "Sport, Education and Society" suggests that extracurricular involvement dominates family life.
The research highlights that by doing organised activities, following the schedule may help children but they can affect the relationship between parents and children, as well as potentially harm children's development and well-being. It may also be stressful for the kids to cope up with all activities.
Sharon Wheeler from the Edge Hill University in Britain and Ken Green from Inland university of Applied science Norway conducted the study. They interviewed almost 50 families from 12 primary schools of northern England for this study.
The majority of children who took part in this study spent four to five days per week in organised activities. They do more than one exercises in the evening.
As a result of that, the families were spending less quality time together, and money and energy reserves were often spent.
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The research highlights that by doing organised activities, following the schedule may help children but they can affect the relationship between parents and children, as well as potentially harm children's development and well-being. The children may also be stressful to cope up with all activities.
Paediatrician Dr Farhat Jahan from Wollongong disagree with the research study.
"extracurricular activities have a greater influence on kid's development and create opportunities to assume leadership, gives the quality of team spirit and, this will boost self-esteem." , Paediatrition Dr. Farhat Jahan
She believes that extracurricular activities will help to relax and interact well with others. She says, "extracurricular activities have a greater influence on kid's development and create opportunities to assume leadership, gives the quality of team spirit and, this will boost self-esteem."
Here are some tips, suggested in the study to keep the balance between participating in extracurricular activities and enhancing the bond with Kids:
- Parents should try to manage their work hours in a way that they can spend enough time kids.
- Parents should make their children feel that they are there for them always. Tell children that you love.
- Parents can play with kids, guide them to choose right extracurricular activities as per their nature and liking. Kids must not be pushed to do activities just for the sake of doing.
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- Make Dinner time, the best time. Eating together is one of the best times when parents or kids talk about some important or intellectual topics, they can discuss things, and they can strengthen bonds.
- Kid's choice or option should be heard. Parents can ask them for what clothes look good on them or what food can be prepared for dinner. This enhances their decision-making skills as well.
- Be a good listener, instead of telling them that you are bored or short of time, sit with them and listen to what they have to say or tell you. This will enhance their faith in parents.
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