by Mia Von Scha, Transformational Coach, motivational speaker, children’s author, student to two Zen Masters (aka kids), avid cloud watcher and lover of life
The start of the new school year brings with it a multitude of options on how your kids will spend their time – extra murals, sports fixtures, parties, playdates and school functions. It’s tempting to sign them up for everything – I mean, we do want to expose our kids to as many opportunities as possible, right?!
My daughter learning karate at Alchemy Tang Soo do
Wrong. I’m all for kids being exposed to various different activities and experiences so that they can discover their unique talents and interests, but certainly not all at once. One way of doing this, if you can, is to let your kids do two extra murals per term and then drop one of those each term (or every second term) to try out something else. This way, the one they really enjoy will stay, and another will be replaced regularly while they try out new things AND they will not be overwhelmed with busy-ness in the process.
Kids need time to entertain themselves – to play fantasy games, relax, spend time outdoors. They should not spend too much time in front of the TV, or too much time at extra murals and after-school activities. Not only does unscheduled time help to develop their imaginations and creativity (essential elements for success in later life) but they also NEED time to just BE!! We are, after all, human beings not human doings. Children need to feel loved and appreciated not just when they’re winning, competing or performing, but when they’re just being themselves, just being; Loved for who they are not what they do.
Don’t we all?
I vow to make 2013 the year that we stop the glorification of busy and allow ourselves and our kids some proper time out – time to relax, to nurture our souls and to appreciate life as it unfolds.
Click here to find a very long list of companies offering extra mural activities including dancing, music, sport and more.
Note: If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the uniquely detailed free weekly newsletter for parents in Gauteng – Jozikids – or KwaZulu-Natal – Kznkids.
Fully agree
Wise words Mia. I totally agree with you. There's no need to over-schedule children. Give them the time and encourage them to explore and learn on their own too.
I could not have said it better:-)
Exactly what I was saying to my husband last night!
I am the worst offender when it comes to 'the glorification of busy' (love that!), so I work very hard not to over-schedule my daughter. It's a battle ;).
As a child who was over-scheduled, over-planned and extra-muralled to death, I can really make a plea for the joy of free time and doing nothing.