How to Balance Work and Play in Your Child's Schedule

Posted by Tiara Swinson on September 17, 2018

If you’re like most families, your week revolves not only around work and school, but also around activities that your children are involved in outside of school. I’m not talking about the endless parade of birthday parties, PTA meetings, and school-sponsored events like carnivals and fundraisers, I’m talking about that most important portion of being a child -- learning about what you enjoy an translating that into a lifelong love of sport or activities that can help carry you through life and keep you healthy as an adult. How do you balance your child’s school and other activities to keep the child healthy, engaged in life, an balanced? Well, it’s not easy. Let’s take a look at how balance can be kept between schoolwork and play activities like soccer, dance, karate, hockey, and homework.

make sure your child has time for everything on their schedule

Homework Comes First

You know your child’s homework is important. It sets your child on the right path toward independence, ability, and a future career. Academic learning is the key to future success and happiness on many different levels.  You, as a parent, must be the one to help your child understand that schoolwork is just as important as playtime, and that having both is the best way to make a happy child, parent, and family. Make sure your child gets homework done right.

Playtime Together

So how important is play in your child’s life? In fact, it’s essential to cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. It also offers a great opportunity for parents to engage with their children. What’s more fun than realizing your child has a natural talent for something also you love? Even if it is not a shared interest, it's still fun to discover something your child enjoys.

Striking the Right Balance

The real question is, how do you encourage karate, soccer, hockey, or rock climbing while making sure your child completes homework assignments on time? You must make sure that you have a reasonable schedule. If your child is in five different after school activities and three sports teams but their grades are slipping you might be overloading them. Everything on your child's schedule should be done successfully. If school work or hockey practice or girl scouts is being neglected then there might be too much on your child's plate. Listen you child, they can tell you when they are overworked. "Scheduling" free time or down time is also very important. Set aside a few hours in the week where your child has no obligation and can relax

How to Juggle it All

You can help your child succeed academically and in after-school activities. It’s a lot easier with help from Genie Academy. Our after-school enrichment program helps with math, English-language arts, writing, and computer coding. Keep in mind, that school is always the utmost importance. It is great for your child to be involved in sports and community programs. However, they will always need the skills and ability they learn in class to have bright future. Let’s transform your child’s future together.

Topics: Parenting Tips, Homework Tips, Work and Play

What To Do Next…

1 Get your free 60-minute Child Assessment and learn:

  • If your child is learning at the appropriate age level.
  • Your child’s strengths and where they need additional help.
  • If your child has an affinity for a particular subject, they may excel in.
  • Our professional recommendations and learning strategy for your child.
  • And much more…

2 Have more questions? Call us at 732-651-2700 to discuss your Child's specific needs.

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