Families For Life | Is it okay to stop my child from studying?

There’s an age-old saying that goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” The same goes for studying. While academic achievement is important, cramming in textbooks, 10-year series, and tuition classes for hours on end can be counterproductive for children. Read on to explore the adverse effects of overstudying and some tips to help your kids achieve a healthy balance between studying and having time for play.

Why it’s okay

Like adults, kids can become overwhelmed and exhausted from excessive brain work, leading to decreased motivation and focus. The stress and anxiety can take a toll on your child’s mental well-being and even their overall health. This might come as a surprise to you, too, but taking breaks can actually improve focus and information retention. So, if you are struggling with the question, “Is it okay to stop my child from studying?” it’s a resounding yes, and here are some tips on how you can help them find their balance.

Tip 1: Sweat it out

Studying exercises the mind rather than the body, so if your child has been overstudying, the amount of physical activity they are used to getting would have dropped a fair bit. The key is to make exercise fun. In fact, just 15 to 20 minutes a day will go far to keep stress levels down. Try games such as badminton or soccer, go to the park or hike, and if you have the budget (or can’t stand the heat), indoor playgrounds are a great idea for both the big and little kids!

Tip 2: Video games are okay

Yes, you read that right. Online video games can provide many benefits, such as fostering social connections and developing essential skills like 3D perspective, problem-solving and collaboration. In-game rewards for achievements can also boost your child’s self-esteem, and you can even bond with him or her by gaming together. However, do look out for the risks like gaming addiction, online safety, gambling and negative influence as well.

Tip 3: Exercise their right brain

If you have younger kids, arts and crafts are a fantastic way to develop their creativity, so put the textbooks aside and bring out the sketchbooks instead. Letting the little ones draw, paint, craft, and create is a great way to develop their artistic side and creative thinking. It’s also a great opportunity to upcycle materials at home by turning newspapers into papier-mâché sculptures, plastic egg cartons into butterflies, or cardboard boxes into monster puppets. The possibilities are endless, and the best part? You can do these activities as a family!

Tip 4: Give them time for their hobbies

As parents ourselves, we recognise that studying is important, but so are social skills, character development, and learning to relax and reflect. Hobbies are a great way for our children to work on these other life essentials, too, which is why we should give them time to focus on them. For example, dance and sports can improve kinaesthetic intelligence, and games and discussions can boost intrapersonal intelligence. These are vital skills for children to learn and carry through life.

When it comes to studying, the right balance is key. Don’t doubt yourself if you feel that your child is burning out. Let him or her explore the world and their talents outside of academia. After all, the famous Mr. Rogers (look him up on YouTube) once said, “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”

Need some help with stopping your child from studying? Check out these awesome activities for the family!