Soccer. Tutoring. Clubs. Lessons. Homework. For a lot of kids, the school day doesn’t end when the bell rings.
And while extracurriculars can be great for building skills and confidence, researchers say there can be a tipping point.
One recent analysis found that when kids’ days get too packed with homework and enrichment activities, the extra time may do less to help them and more to hurt their mental well-being.
“Too much of something that is really good for us can be harmful as well,” said Didem Alpaslan, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Extracurriculars can absolutely be good for children. They can build confidence, skills, friendships, and routine.
The problem is when the calendar gets so packed there’s no room left for rest, free play, family time, or even sleep.
Overscheduling kids can lead to burnout. A recent study examined the link between mental health and the number of activities kids participated in.
Researchers found those who spent more time in extracurricular activities were more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and anger.
“Children who have really tight schedules and are always on the go, they don’t learn how to slow down and be present in the moment,” said Alpaslan.
Some signs your child is overscheduled?
They’re more moody than usual. Or they feel anxious or lose interest in things they once loved.
Some kids have physical symptoms, like stomach aches, headaches, or trouble sleeping. And their grades might slip.
So, what should you do? First: schedule some unstructured time.
“When they come home, maybe having a couple hours downtime where they can do interactive play,” explained Alpaslan.
Also model resting yourself so your child recognizes the importance of slowing down. Because sometimes the most important thing a child needs isn’t another activity, it’s a little room to breathe.
Don’t underestimate boredom. Experts say unstructured playtime helps kids build creativity, problem-solving skills, independence, and emotional regulation, all things a packed calendar can crowd out.