How to Stop Over-Programming Your Toddler
In the fast pace of today’s lifestyle, many families are having difficulty finding time to eat meals together or even wake up and spend a Saturday morning with each other. Parents are working, children are in pre-school and extra curricular activities are scheduled almost daily...
Gymnastics on Monday and Wednesday, soccer on Tuesday, dance on Thursday and ballet on Saturday. Before you know what has happened you have an "over-programmed" toddler.
The activities are fun and pre-school allows for friendships to develop, but too much slows emotional development in young children. Some of the signs to watch for in young children are:
- An unwillingness to participate in previously fun activities.
- Sluggish and grumpy behaviour when waking up.
- Temper tantrums, and "little white lies" being told in school and at home.
Sometimes it is hard for a parent to recognize the warning signs. It can be even harder for a parent to make changes in the family plan.
If your toddler is showing some or all of the signs of being over-programmed, the first thing you need to do is admit that a change needs to take place.
Once you have decided to make a change you need to assess which activities to keep and which ones to let go. This is often a hard step because children are usually reluctant to give up an activity. A simple way to start is to take a look at which is the favored activity and which will allow for family time.
Next you will need to make changes in family time. Here are some helpful hints:
Be sure to schedule dinner time and plan meals that everyone can sit down to eat…and let the children help do the planning. Young children enjoy setting the table and this is a wonderful opportunity for them to practice their counting skills.
Plan a family fun night. Pick out a game that everyone can play and set it up on the kitchen table. Make a box of brownies and top it with ice cream. Eating a treat and playing a game will bring everyone to the fun.
Plan a weekend picnic. Find a local park or lake and plan a picnic. Allow the children to help pack and choose what food to take. Have the children gather together blankets and supplies. When you arrive lay out the blankets set out the food and sit down for a fun afternoon.
Plan a swim night. Locate your local YMCA or other public pool and find out when family night is. They will often have activities for families. Children always enjoy swimming and the atmosphere is usually light and enjoyable. | 
