Are You Raising Super-Kids?
October 7th, 2008 by Michelle
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Do you know a Super-Kid? A kid that excels at several sports, plays two instruments, gets amazing grades, is well liked and is usually very driven….usually driven by their Super-Parents.
The pressure has always been there for me to get my children involved in every sport, competition, music lesson, and modeling opportunity. On top of all that I am expected for them to get amazing grades, be well liked, well-mannered and eager to help out at home. Church attendance is not an option, so somehow we as a family need to squeeze all these activities into the hours that make up our day.
Why is it so important for us that our kids be Super-Kids? Can’t they just be kids? Academics are important. Church is important. Sports are important. Competition is important for kids. But all of it all at once?
I see my girls’ friends wearing out and becoming resentful of their Super-Parents’ expectations of them. One of their friends wants to quit cheerleading because she is only 8 and her knees hurt from all the flips and jumps she has to do in practice. My girls can’t just go to their friend’s houses to play after school. There is a regimented schedule their families follow. No time for friends. No time to play.
How can we raise successful, well-rounded kids without making them feel like they have to be Super-Kids?
- Remember Family life is most important. Carve out time for family first.
- Allow each child in the family to focus on one activity at a time.
- Pay attention to your child’s behavior. Are they happy with all their activities? Are they tired, withdrawn, get frequent headaches/stomach aches? These are all stress signs that tell you as a parent that maybe it’s time to take a step back from a few activities.
- Ask your child’s teacher if they feel the activities are affecting their grades.
- Give your kids time to play. They are only kids once.
And finally, remember:
Your child is a Super-Kid, not because of what they do, but because of who they are.
What type of child are you raising- stressed & scheduled or just plain super? Let’s chat at the BD Forums!
Michelle is a full-time stay at home mom of three spirited little girls. Her husband is a Pastor at a very large church, and their lives are anything but normal. Follow their adventures at www.michellewegner.typepad.com
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