Downtime Lacking

Often well meaning parents want their kids going nonstop in all sorts of activities. The parents think that they must be constantly busy or they will supposedly get behind in this world. Parents get their kids involved in sports in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, often more than one sport at a time, and then get them individual training as well. This is all so crazy. These young people don't enjoy this frenzied activity and it doesn't help them get ahead in the world anyway.
Parents often emphasize being good at many things, including sports, school and other activities. They want them well-rounded, but being involved in many activities isn't being well rounded. Doing what you have have a bent towards and improving that and getting one's life in order with the duties of living is an actual definition of being well rounded.
To be well-rounded, young people so need down time to decompress and learn who they are. Self knowledge is key to making it in the world. As we continue to point out, authentic play is a path to self knowledge as well. Continual frenzied activity gets in the way of needed down time and free play. The need for both never ends.