Helping your child balance extracurricular activities

Kids today are busier than ever. Sports, music, clubs and more — there are so many great things to try. But how do you know when it’s too much? 

Prefer to listen? Check out the Parent-ish Podcast episode here, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Signs your child might be too busy 

If your child is feeling overwhelmed, tired or moody, it might be a sign they’re doing too much. They may also stop enjoying activities they used to love or not want to go at all. 

Choosing the right activities 

It’s great to give your kids a chance to try new things, but it’s also important to: 

• Pick activities they enjoy. 
• Think about your family’s time and budget. 
• Look at how they’ve handled activities in the past.  
• Let your child help choose what they want to do.  

Every child is different 

Some kids love being busy. Others need more quiet time. Kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or other challenges may need extra help managing their schedules. Pay attention to how your child reacts to being busy. 

Make a healthy routine 

Use a calendar to plan out the week. Include time for: 

• School  
• Activities  
• Meals  
• Sleep  
• Relaxing  

Seeing it all on paper can help you and your child make smart choices. 

Talk about it 

Check in with your child often. Ask open questions like: 

• “What do you like about this activity?”  
• “Is there anything you wish was different?”  

Make time to talk when your child is calm — like during a car ride or before bed. 

Be a role model 

Kids learn by watching you. Show them how you manage your time and say “no” when you need to. Share your own stories about being too busy and what you learned. 

Why it matters 

Doing too much for too long can lead to stress, anxiety or burnout. But the right mix of activities can help kids build confidence and find joy — especially if school is hard for them. 

We hope these tips are helpful in planning as your family gets ready to start a new school year.