how much is too much?
Q – Dear Suzie, I have a simple question for you. Do you think too many activities can be damaging for our children?”- A.B.
A- Dear A.B.,
I love answering simple questions and thank you for yours. I do think too many activities can be damaging for children.
Let’s think about it. Does a 6 year old really need to be doing chess, Spanish lessons, gymnastics, swimming and teeball at the same time as homework and having a life? I don’t think so. Some parents may have the time to be able to shuttle their kids around to all of these activities but I know I don’t.I also can’t afford for my kids to take all of these classes and quite frankly I am lucky if I can afford one or two so we pick them very carefully.
If kids are doing too many activities at once how can they focus on becoming really good at something? They need time to focus on practicing things like moves for kung fu and chess, kicking goals for soccer, learning chords for the guitar or dancing in a tutu. If they are doing 5 things a week how can they spend the time they need on these 5 things plus homework and play time? Yes playtime! Playtime is important and please don’t forget that. Kids need to be able to entertain themselves and their friends in a non-structured way. Give them the time to do that and you’ll have happy kids.
How can it damage the child? Well this is what I think – I believe and I was taught to believe that when I chose something to do I had to follow it though to the end. It kind of sucked as sometimes I didn’t like doing the activity after a while – I hated Jazz Ballet – but it was my choice to start it so it was my responsibilty to finish it. If kids can do everything they want all at once then they aren’t being taught to stick by a decision or even to wait until the first thing is done before they try the next one. Patience. Practice. Sticking with decisions. These are important lessons.
This I think is the perfect equation but in a perfect world where you have the time, the money AND the kid is old enough and patient enough - one sport, one language and one instrument. Even this is a lot but makes for a well-rounded kid.
What did Suzie do as a kid – geez, I did just about everything but lots of the activities were seasonal so didn’t go at the same time. I played netball. did cross country running, hockey, Italian (at school), played guitar and drums. The thing I did that taught me the most, I did for the longest and I loved the best was being a scout. Being a scout made me the person I am today. I learnt leadership, responsibility, respect, maturity and how to pitch a tent in the pouring rain in the dead of night. No damage done there at all, well except for a few blisters. “Be Prepared!”
After teaching English in Japan and working in management forever what would be the next most obvious career choice? Becoming a Romance Specialist of course! Yes, Susan Fujiki does those parties and sells those kinds of toys. While some people might feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about sex, Susan is never embarrassed to write about what is on her mind or talk about what happens (or doesn’t) under the covers. Susan is very proud to be Santa Clarita’s Party Gal Distributor. If you interested in having a fantastic time with your friends and a party to remember contact her anytime at (818)-620-5316 to plan a fabulous event for you. She is available AMs and PMs and the reasons to party are endless but include: Girl’s Nights In, Birthdays, Bachelorette Parties, Divorce Parties, Couples parties and Dirty Daytime Devonshire Teas. Hostesses receive excellent incentives including prizes, credits and even trips! Also if you are interested in making some extra money and having a lot of fun while doing it join her team! If you ever meet a short dark haired woman who looks like everyone else ask her if she is “the sex lady” and if she doesn’t hit you you’re probably looking at Susan.You can read Susan’s weekly column, What Would Suzie Do?, in Scene In SCV.
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Great answer to a tough question that many parents and kids face these days – thanks!