Finding Time For Education

Today , Children all over the country are pushed to succeed in Sports, Academics , Musical Talent , and other outside activities. Parents want their children to Volunteer at local Hospitals and help out at the Hospice whenever possible. Children are encouraged to read up on current events and be able to intelligently talk about those events at the Dinner Table.

Why are we driving our Children to succeed in every area of their lives? Is it because College Admissions are tougher each and every year with more and more High School Graduates offering Admissions Committees more and more credentials? Or is it because at Dinner Parties Moms and Dads enjoy telling stories of how they have Little Tommy taking Pitching Lessons 5 days a week , while juggling Homework , Boy Scouts, Soccer, and Church Activities. Has it become a Social Status?

What are we doing to these kids? We complain when children can’t stay focused on their school work and are quick to get angry when they forget their homework , but yet off we go to yet another Pitching Lesson. Priorities must come first. Throw in for good measure a day volunteering at the local Hospital . After all , we want our children to stand out and have excellent resumes as they stand before College Admissions Committees , so let’s start now. Volunteering will look good to somebody.

Before you drive your child to the brink of insanity , stop for a minute and see what it is that is driving you to drive them. Could it possibly be that you weren’t as successful as you could have been or is it a social standing among other parents? If you notice at Ballgames and Swim Meets , Parents will chat not so much about their children but about what their children are doing. It is true that College Admissions will not give your child a second look unless they stand out , but make sure you don’t over do it . Also consider your child . Are you driving them to the point where when they aren’t with you , they are relieved and tell their friends that they don’t “know how much more they can take”? If so, you may need to take a step back and ask yourself what is really important here.

You must give your child the best education possible and encourage them in everything they choose to do . Don’t overdo Sports unless the child has the true talent that scouts will see when the day finally arrives that your son or daughter is looking at different colleges. If the little boy you encouraged to play Basketball is slow on the court and you still insist that all 5’6” of him is going to play College Basketball , there may be a problem with where you are guiding him in life. Help your child set realistic goals when facing their future.

While it is OK to encourage your child in all things , it is not OK to overload them to the point where they cannot possibly meet your expectations. To do so will be costly , because the first area that will suffer , is their education.