Are we pushing our kids too hard?

Are we pushing our kids too hard?
Are we making them more stressful?

I always ask these questions to myself.
My childhood had less opportunities. I lacked the commitment to stick to any activity I pursued. I joined the music class and left it half way through. Same happened with my dance class.
I had a passion for writing , but never found time with my constant drive for grades.

I found myself pushing my kids in activities in the interest of my own ego. I didn’t realize until lately the adverse impact my childhood dreams were having on my family and my kids.
As parents we all have good intentions. We want our children to excel in all areas. But if you think about it , are our intentions noble ?

We enroll our kids in extra curricular activities most of the times due to social pressure, our own ego, our childhood dreams.
We do sacrifice and take them to every class rain or shine. It is also important to remember the extra curricular activities per se are not the problem.
Research have shown that kids performing various activities like sports, music have higher levels of self-confidence and academic performance.

But have we gone to an extreme?

What if these activities are making the kids overwhelmed?
What if our expectations are crunching the family time?
What if your child is into these activities with no interest?

If your child is over stressed and you find yourself having no family time, it’s time to cut back on their activities.

Balance is key. Keeping the activities in moderation will help kids use the time in self discovery.Kids need time to read, write,draw,create and explore their interests.
As Parents we need to slow down and relax. Kids need more relationships and not activities.

Let’s teach our kids that there are more choices than just success and failure.They need to embrace the ordinary and should be aware that the normal does not necessarily mean average, and that averageness does not define their character, even if they can’t be the ameircan idol or play in the IPL– or even make the gifted program in school.
Let’s have our kids try new things and do than paralyzing themselves with the thought of greatness. High hopes and dreams does matter. It is an essential part of parenting.
These hopes should inspire our kids and not crush them.

Let’s give our kids the unconditional love – the love with no if else.
It’s time we make these words a reality :I love you no matter what you do or what you achieve .
I love you for what you are.

Let’s not burden our kids with our bundles of to do list. Let’s empower them with confidence and high self-esteem for who they are at this moment.