Let's Chat Student Overwhelm and Overscheduling! What were we thinking?
Student Schedules and Overwhelm - Episode 002
Click Below to Listen to the Episode
How can we help decrease student stress levels at school? The first place parents and teachers should look is at the schedule of the student. We want our children be well rounded, intelligent and caring individuals..but at what cost? Kids are not allowed to roam the neighborhood and are now shuttled from ballet to karate to theater with homework squeezed in the middle. This leads to an increase in teenage stress and schedule overwhelm.
Our intentions are good, but what are all of these activities doing to our children? When teachers are accused of giving too much homework, are they supposed to make amends because of the over-scheduling of activities? When are too many activities too much for a child to handle?
Children are supposed to have fun, but instead are facing high school courses in middle school, college courses in high school and medical school applications in kindergarten.
What is the balance that parents, children and educators need to find?
Take Inventory
Reflect on the last year what activities were on your families plate? What were your responsibilities at work? What were your child's school activities?
Then take a moment to reflect on how those obligations made you and your child feel. Did your child complain about overwhelm or stress?
Did you feel exhausted? Did you get tired of being a parent taxi? What positive feelings came up and how many negative feelings surfaced? Perhaps it is time for you to look at the balance in your family's life.
The Steps
1. Take Emotional Inventory
2. Talk to the other adults in your life
3. Talk to your child about their feelings on their schedule
4. Make the choice about schedule changes as a family
Listen to the Episode
Listen to this episode of School Counselor Gone Rogue to identify what student burnout looks like and how to avoid it during the school year.
Highlights
The impact of over scheduling on our children
How to see if your scales need calibrating
Who to include on a conversation about schedule reduction
Helpful Links
7 Signs your Child is Overwhelmed
Family Meals on the Run when your Schedule is Crazy
Why your child does not use a planner
Does your child need an organized school year? Learn more here!
Marni Pasch | Team Pach Academic Coaching
I work with students in grades 6th and higher, who struggle with academic confidence and motivation. I help them survive school with less stress by helping them create concrete goals, tackle procrastination and learn creative study techniques. I empower students to take charge of their education and reach their goals. I do this through individual or group coaching so students achieve success in life, school, career readiness and their social endeavors.
