Why’s the deal with kids these days?
 

Our granddaughter is spending the night with us. She finally was able to squeeze in some time between cheerleading practice, cheerleading at games, softball practice, softball games, American Girl activities, soccer, etc etc. The kid is SEVEN and she needs a secretary to keep her schedule. I’m glad she is involved, but when does she have time to just be a kid? I’m afraid she is missing out on something. What ever happened to spending time alone?

7? Shouldn't the question be what is up with parents these days?

It's not the kids, it's the parents trying to keep up with societal pressures.

Have to agree that the more apt question is "What's the deal with parents these days?"

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Maybe she's a type A or super social and wants to be doing all of that stuff.

I did some activities (when I was older, ie 12-14, but I was more likely to want to do something with my friends or on my own vs just any random group of people (like school sponsored stuff). I can't even imagine that as a 7 year old or that I'd like it, but if the parents have the time, then the kid getting all of that interaction shouldn't be a bad thing. I might have learned sooner how to deal with people if I'd had more group interaction.

Kids don’t create their own schedules. Parents do. Society is super competitive these days and parents are hyper critical of each other so they put their kids in everything hoping they will shine at something. Thank F#$& I’m not a kid anymore

No mystery why so many kids have anxiety and depression issues...most adults won't take the time to look at themselves for who they are so how would the kids be different?

crazy. Where's the time for grandparents and family? That's so much more important then some cheering camp or whatever? Just my stupid opinion. Our kids spend their whole summer traveling with us and going swimming. No music lessons no camps. Spend a week at my mom's. I made sure they spend enough time with my parents from the day they were very young. What the heck can be more important then that? Nothing.

Each kid is different, too. My oldest child is perfectly content to chill at home. The 2nd child doesn't have enough days in the week for everything she wants to do. You know how kids' activities in the community will often have free trial classes to drum up business? In preschool, she found out about a dance school that offered a free trial class, and circulated a sign up sheet for it at school. I guess she felt the school didn't offer enough afterschool extra-curriculars. Sure enough, she got 6 or 7 girls to sign up for it. As a parent, how can you say no at that point?

I kinda have to laugh at some hypothetical future concerned parents about how their kid won't sit inside and play video games like a normal kid, but has to go out and play soccer.

"Normal kid", doesn't exist.

See thread about grand kids not interested in the air planes at the Ohio museum.

I'd of been all over that as a kid excited as could be.

The thing that strikes me as funny when talking to parents who have kids involved in so many activities is the parents "complaining" about having all this running to do. I told one once "you do know you're the parent right?"
As long as the kids are choosing to be active in so many different areas I have no real problem with it but I don't think that's what's going on in a lot of cases.

What really stinks is some parents pressure their kids to do all these things because it will look good on the transcript when they want to get into a good University...
The treadmill is starting earlier all the time.

Lesson for young parents: if your child is a true prodigy, whether scholastically or athletically, there will be no stopping them so there's simply no need to fill their schedules/lives with activities you think they'll need in order to succeed. Heck, even if they're just really good, it'll shine through and they'll be just fine.

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My kids had two extracurricular activities during the school year: A sport, music or a club.

Two, max.

Summers? They worked for me.

Go out and play, after work.

I agree but I have seen kids that need a push. My son could be good at any sport he wanted to play. He lacks drive. I don't push it because I don't want to be "that guy". It's frustrating to watch him not apply himself knowing he could be good.

Should I go dig up the converse thread about how the damn kids only play on their devices all day long?

I’ve never forced my kids to play a sport. My rules are that they can’t quit once they have started and that they give it their best. Oldest was competitive baseball, rec basketball, and tackle football until his now freshman year when he dropped back to just football. He just told me that he might pick up lacrosse to stay in shape. My daughter does competitive gymnastics and just told us that she is trying out for the school cheer team next year. Youngest son is 8 and does flag football, rec baseball, and is starting practice for a competitive basketball team this fall. These have all been their choices, not mine. I’m fortunate that they all have found activities that they are passionate about that should carry them through high school. I personally wasn’t involved in anything except drinking beer in high school and it was a terrible experience, I expect all of my kids to be involved in SOMETHING. Don’t care what.

Also, for those who don’t currently have kids, I hate to tell you but youth sports have changed dramatically. If your kid isn’t playing in a competitive league early, they won’t have a chance at playing at the varsity level. There are exceptions for freak talents but overall that’s reality. My oldest is an exceptional athlete but is far enough in basketball that he won’t catch up, hence why he’s not even trying out. He played rec ball while other kids were playing competitive and they are just too far ahead.

I understand and agree. My parents didn't push me either which is great, and they may have pushed me into things that I really hated if they had. At the same time, I kind of wish they'd have pushed me to play an instrument, and I wish they had pushed me to learn a foreign language. I just had no desire when I was younger. Now I really wish I had.

Gotta socialize kids - just like puppies...get 'em out in the world...let 'em meet new people and have new experiences. Makes them well-rounded socially.

But - there has to be a balance.

That's where the parents come in.

Or not...... :(

Front page of our locals paper was about a kid who is 3 Fall sports at the same time, and working a part time job. He is a good Soccer player who also runs cross country, and also took on duties being the kicker for the football team. Of coarse he also wrestles, and runs track and field during the year as well. As a parent, you have to just say no sometimes.

We just took her home. She had 24 hours to spend with us, and wanted more. She is such a joy to be around. The three of us cooked dinner together last night breakfast together this morning and working together with her was a delight. She read to me from one of her books and it was a wonder to me how fast she learned new words and how determined she was to get it right. I have a jigsaw puzzle app on my iPad and I showed her how to start a puzzle. We did maybe 10 puzzles. Sitting with her and watching her learn how to strategize, mostly on her own, was amazing.
Kids at that age are living miracles.