Posted by Richard Kuhlenschmidt
Sun, 08 Oct 2006 23:47:17 GMT
The UK Guardian today cites research by Professor Joseph Mahoney of Yale University and others that children who take part in after-school activities such as drama and football get better exam results, have a stronger relationship with their parents and are less likely to smoke or drink than those who do not.
According to the study:
Our research shows that children who take part in organised activities benefit developmentally. They are healthier, judging from their academic performance and indicators of psychological and emotional wellbeing and self-esteem, as well as from their use of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, and their parent-child relationships,’ said Joseph Mahoney, an associate professor in the psychology department of Yale University in the United States, who is the report’s lead author. ‘They are more competent than other children, better adjusted, less prone to antisocial behaviour such as dropping out of school, getting arrested or substance use, and they function better in the classroom.’
The evidence shows that what some deride as ‘hyper-parenting’ and ‘hothousing’ by ambitious parents is a myth and that young people who spend time in such pursuits enjoy a range of benefits at the time and in later life, according to Mahoney.
Read the article here.
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Posted by Richard Kuhlenschmidt
Fri, 06 Oct 2006 12:01:37 GMT
As a follow up to my earlier posting on over-parenting, there is an article in today’s Wall Street Journal, in which the author, Naomi Schaefer Riley, makes the argument that over parenting is not only ok, it is in fact necessary, since this may be the last time kids are actually made to learn.
Why? Because college increasingly offers a crazed social experience at the expense of rigorous study. But high school does better: It is often the last time that students are forced to learn something. Parents make their kids show up at school. More than a few teachers convey basic skills and knowledge. After-school life centers on burnishing a college application, not binge drinking. AP courses, where they exist, exploit these structured years for maximum learning.
Critics will say that “rat race” kids no longer play soccer for the joy of the game or master the violin for the beauty of the music or study history for the love of learning. Maybe. But who cares? At least something worthwhile is going on. These kids have four years of college ahead of them during which they may take as few classes as they like in subjects that require no difficult exams. They can spend their time outside the classroom drinking and “dating.” They can opt out of the rat race, and they do.
And there is no penalty. College-admissions officers go over high-school lives with a fine-tooth comb—Why didn’t she play a sport junior year? Why didn’t he continue in Spanish? But most employers don’t scrutinize a college courseload or a college GPA. The degree is all that matters.
Read the whole article here.
(may require subscription, article is free today 10/06/06)
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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.
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Posted by Richard Kuhlenschmidt
Tue, 03 Oct 2006 22:05:46 GMT
The Washington Post has a nice article on Parenting Lite, or to be more accurate, life after the kids go off to college.
They are asking for personal stories of lessons learned. Here are the details:
If you’re a baby boomer, you’re at least 42 years old this year, and we’re seeking your firsthand report. We’re looking for life lessons, for things learned over a handful of decades and representing the widest range of personal backgrounds and identities. We’ll publish some reports in this space. Write no more than 200 words. Include your name, age, where you live and a phrase describing your submission. Include a photo if you like; digital preferred. By e-mail: boom@washpost.com. Put “Boom Box” in the subject line. By U.S. mail: The Washington Post Health Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071. Sorry, we can’t return photos.
Yes, it happens all to soon.
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