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June 26, 2005

Over-Scheduling

If your child has frequent meltdowns by the time Thursday morning rolls around, is too tired to eat well at most mealtimes, or is uninterested in attending his activities and frequently asks if he can stay home and play, it may be that he is over-scheduled.

Children need downtime just as much as they need stimulation and exercise, and if you find your child’s activities are pushing back nap times and bedtimes on a regular basis, it may be time to cut back his busy schedule. Start by dropping one or two activities and pay attention to the positive changes in his mood, appetite, and energy. Drop some more activities if necessary—until he is no longer melting down, refusing to eat, or asking to stay home instead of doing an activity.

- Excerpt from Nanny Wisdom - Chapter Three, The Scheduled Routine - Child Care Made Easy.

Posted by Justine Walsh on June 26, 2005. Send to a friend.