Over scheduling and slowing down

We are so fortunate in Elmhurst to have so many activities to choose from for our children. I just signed my daughter up for an art class at the Elmhurst Art Museum, and I'm already perusing the YMCA selections for summer. As a parent, I want my children to be cultured, athletic, and well rounded. I want them to be good swimmers because I consider swimming a survival sport.  I grew up as a musician so I want my children to play and practice their instruments. I know the importance of staying physically active to establish a lifetime of healthy habits. Additionally, there's also needs to be time for socializing, chores, and homework. And with so many amazing offerings in our community, it's hard not to over schedule my kids for activities.

As a mom and a physician, I too am also always working on juggling life.  I don't have a perfect solution to help you with scheduling, but I'd like to share what I've learned throughout the years from the patients in my office at Loyola Medicine in. North Riverside.

Minimally, I encourage all kids to have at least one outside of school interest. Within our community, this doesn't seen to be an issue. Especially during the high school years, activities are a social outlet, and far also important for the all important college applications.  I've had patients who told me they don't have any after school activities, and I urge them and their parents to find something for them to do. Too often, children without anything to do after school, and especially those without adult supervision, are more likely to get into trouble. And from my own experiences, getting involved in an activity also helps build friendships that might last a lifetime.

For those of  you who tend to be more ambitious about their child's schedule, try to make sure that activities don't interfere too much with day to day family life. Make sure you eat as a family at the house as often as possible, minimally 4 times weekly. Eating together as a family is an important way to stay cohesive, hash over the day's activities, and just enjoy being together.  Families who eat together at home regularly also help reduce their child's risk of obesity by modeling good habits and by not eating out as often.

I know with sports, travel ball and other similar activities, it can be very hard to have a normal schedule. Try to at least have regular all family times together. If your child's schedule leaves you or your child  perpetually exhausted, it is probably time to reconsider if the activity is worthwhile.  Don't sacrifice yourself and your family if it's too much. And as I have to remind myself often, it is okay to say no.