How many activities are too many?

I have read several articles about how modern children are ‘over scheduled’ with a plethora of structured activities and clubs and that modern children need more time for unstructured and outdoor play. Kids can become overtired when they are engaging in too many sports and clubs and need the less structured playtime to develop their imagination, communication and negotiating skills. 

This all sounds reasonable but how do you know how many activities to choose, when is it too much? 

Timing is key

When planning the number of activities you think your child will manage (and preferably thrive in) do consider what else may be happening in life at that time. At times of big life changes children can feel generally tired and overwhelmed and may need a more relaxed playtime or quality time with their caregivers. This is particularly true in the term that children start school. Starting school places a huge demand on young children’s brains as they are learning so many new things. Even children that have been to nursery full time, tend to be very tired in the first term of school. This is a key time to scale back. 

Monitor energy levels

Other elements of timing are important too. I have found with my daughter that she seems to have more energy early in the week and fades towards the end of the week. When evenings are lighter in summertime your child might have more energy and feel they can manage more. That being said, it is easier in the summer to build in lots of outdoor play and park time. I find that my daughter needs some structured clubs in the winter to make sure she is getting enough exercise when the weather is wet and cold. 

Be mindful of your child’s energy levels as well as your own. Keep the schedule manageable and realistic from you all. Rushing from one activity to another is stressful for everyone. At one point the phrase I said the most was ‘hurry up we’re late!’. I seemed to be saying it all the time. A flashing great big sign that we had overscheduled. Listen to those little warnings that tell you when it is getting a bit much. 

No need to ‘Keep up with the Jones’’

When listening to other parents at the playground chatting about the activities their child is doing or the new swimming badge they have achieved we quickly ask ourselves ‘should my child be doing that too?’. 

Feel confident in choosing the activities which best suit your child’s interests and needs and not feeling that they need to be doing all the clubs. They are still young. There will be a lot of time ahead to try out new and exciting things. It doesn’t all need to be done right now. 

Sarah Billingham is a specialist teacher and runs Confident Kids, a unique Early Years service. She equips parents with expert knowledge and the practical tools they need to offer their little people the very best early language support they can.  

Join the Confident Communicators Facebook group to find out more about supporting language development for 0 – 5 year olds. 

www.confidentkids.co