The new school year offers a fresh opportunity for students. For parents, it often means a return to the hustle and bustle of school-aged children. They may also wonder whether their children are overscheduled and how that might affect their classroom performance.

A 2024 study in the journal Economics of Education Review found that students may face adverse consequences from what’s piled onto their plates during the school year. The study found that the amount of homework students receive and the abundance of extracurricular activities they participate in are not helping them build their academic skills, and are harming their mental health by increasing feelings of anxiety, anger, and depression.

Deciding where to draw the line on students’ schedules is not an exact science. However, parents can consider several strategies to avoid overscheduling their kids in the coming school year. 

Take an age-based approach.

While structured activities can benefit kids of all ages, some childhood development experts note that organized activities may be less beneficial for younger children than for older kids. Andie Stallman, a clinical and developmental health and psychology specialist and the childhood and play expert at Imagination Playground, says that organized activities before ages six and seven are not developmentally appropriate. Stallman notes that at this age, kids should be encouraged to discover their own interests through self-directed play and exploration. Kids can still engage in organized activities at this age, but the focus should be on fun and socialization rather than on building skills and improving performance. As kids advance through elementary school, parents can talk to them about organized extracurricular activities and which ones, if any, they want to participate in. 

Maintain an ongoing dialogue about the schedule.

Parents understandably don’t want kids to quit, but kids should be encouraged to let Mom and Dad know if they feel they have too much on their plate. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) recommends that parents encourage kids to be open about their schedules, especially if they feel overwhelmed by their obligations, and reassure them that it’s all right and healthy to take a break. The AACAP also urges parents to talk with kids about their thoughts and feelings when children repeatedly resist an activity. 

Learn to spot the warning signs of an overscheduled child.

Children do not want to disappoint their parents, so even those encouraged to share their thoughts about their activities and schedules may hesitate to speak up if they feel overwhelmed. With that in mind, parents can learn to recognize early warning signs that a child may be overwhelmed. The AACAP notes that these signs include making excuses or refusing to attend an activity; feeling overly tired or not getting enough sleep; exhibiting organizational problems or struggling to meet deadlines; declining school grades; unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches; or increased anxiety. 

It can be difficult for parents to avoid overscheduling their kids, but it’s important to remember the value of free time for children. Visit aacap.org for more information on striking a balance in children’s schedules.