I am sure this story rings true with many of us in the teaching profession. There is a small segment of our students that always seem to be over programmed by their parents.They have no time to practice, or are always cancelling their lessons because of conflicts with other extracurricular activities. It seems some parents use extracurricular activities as a method of extended day care, which creates  situations where no one wins, and the child accomplishes nothing. Here is an article about this from this morning’s Vancouver Sun:

While many parents pressure their children to become the next hockey champion or entertainment idol, Anita Wyczynski is allowing her children to focus on one or two activities they enjoy most.

“I do think kids should experience all sorts of different things, whether it be sports, art, or music,” Wyczynski says from her home in Ottawa.

“Eventually, they pick what they’re passionate about, or what they excel at, and they take it from there.”

Wyczynski’s children — Alexa, 13, and Jordana, 2 — both participate in sports. Wyczynski says Alexa’s passion is for hockey, but she also plays basketball at school and takes one hour of dance lessons each week. Jordana takes baby gymnastics and swimming lessons.

Read the Article at the Vancouver Sun – Feb.1, 2010