“Here’s my problem: my child is doing soccer, piano, and art class, and I love that they’re exploring their interests, but their report card was… not great. How do I help them juggle everything without either burning out or falling behind in school?”
This is a very good question and one that many parents struggle with. As you say, it is really good that your child wants to do many activities but it is important to find a balance. Your child should also have time to do his homework, as well as have time to play, rest, and even get bored.
You mention that the report card was not great. I don’t know what ‘not great’ means to you. Some parents want their children to achieve an A in all subjects, while for other parents it is absolutely fine for their children to get lower grades because they don’t value academic excellence as much. How important is it for you? How much do you value academic excellence? Consider this question and if needed, make adjustments based on your values.
Also, consider your child’s aptitudes and wishes. Is your child very academic? What does he need to do well in school? How much does he enjoy extracurricular activities? Is he sleeping well and eating well? Does he show any signs of being stressed or too tired?
You may also want to talk to his teacher to get a better understanding of how he is doing at school. Is he performing the best he can? Are his grades a reflection of the effort he is putting in?
Use these questions to make an informed decision about how many and which extra curricular activities your child should be doing.
I wish you both the very best!
Ana
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