Driving your children to school whenever they miss the bus. Switching soccer teams after a disagreement with the coach. Polishing homework projects and essays. What do these scenarios have in common? They’re examples of ‘snowplow’ parenting, the increasingly common practice of removing obstacles from your child’s path. If you’ve unwittingly adopted a few of these practices, you’re not alone. Per a recent New York Times poll, up to three-quarters of parents admit to snowplow behaviors.
Most parents agree that encouraging their child to try a new sport or activity can be very beneficial! Not only can it provide an additional opportunity to get exercise but mastering new skills, forming new friendships, and learning teamwork all have its advantages. Nowadays, there are many sports to choose from; some offer team involvement and others, kids can perform solo. Some sports can be played outdoors, and others are enjoyed year-round and indoors. But with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. That is why I came up with this list of questions to consider before signing your child up for something new, before registration opens.
Do you ever wonder if you may be taking the whole over-scheduling taboo too seriously? Personally, I find most parents are intelligent, conscientious, and trying to find a healthy middle ground for everyone in their family. Most parents want their kids to have the right amount of after-school activities. The vast majority seem committed to helping their kids become happier, healthier, well-rounded citizens without pushing them into activity overload.
As your child continues to grow and develop, you will find they often enjoy exploring more of their own personal interests. Sure, school offers opportunities for children to get involved with different types of educational and social activities, but most of the time these options are more general in nature. After- school programs are excellent because they tend to offer more specific classes that focus on a particular topic. These programs are often led or taught by experts in that particular field, which allows your student to dive deeper and to really improve upon their skills.
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