Over-Parenting
Posted by Richard Kuhlenschmidt Fri, 06 Oct 2006 01:00:10 GMT
This one I’m really torn about. An article in the Grand Rapids Press discusses the phenonenom of over-parenting
Parents who load up their children’s schedules with too many after-school programs are producing frazzled kids who actually need more time with their moms and dads, a family therapist says.
The article goes on to quote William Doherty, who in his book “Take Back Your Kids: Confident Parenting in Turbulent Times” , says,
“Kids have too many activities. Parents are supervising homework every night, having childhood on the fast achievement track beyond what is necessary or important for children’s development.”
He goes on to say,
“We know from research, the single most important activity in children’s lives, in promoting their well-being and academic achievement, is having meals with their family,” Doherty said.
“For young children, there’s evidence it increases their vocabulary because kids at family dinner are exposed to higher levels of conservation than when they’re just one-on-one with parents.”
While I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiments, I wonder if I am selling my kids short by not doing everything I can to get my kids into the best schools, and presumedly, give them the opportunity for a better life.
Read the whole article here.
