[kif]

I’m not a parent myself, but something I’ve seen happen with an American family I know, is that they push their kids way too much to learn and do as many things as possible. They have their music lessons, their many clubs at school, several physical activities such as soccer, tennis, taekwondo. At some point you have to stop and wonder whether you’re taking their childhood away.

These kids barely have any free time. School during weekdays, activities during the weekend… worse than a full time job.

I think there’s a balance to be struck. Your kids don’t need to be good at everything.

[hkpack]

Every parent is fighting an uphill battle against the technology now.

You either structure the day in such a way that there is literally no time for anything outside of activities, or you just observe the kid gets sucked into the screens with less and less will to do anything else.

[margalabargala]

That is a false dichotomy.

If not at a club/activity, why does the child have unrestricted access to screens?

[blitzar]

> At some point you have to stop and wonder whether you’re taking their childhood away.

At some point you have to stop and wonder if a great childhood is doing - music lessons, many clubs at school, several physical activities such as soccer, tennis, taekwondo etc.

They are occupied, they are trying new things, learning new skills, running around outside, interacting with their peers.

[electriclove]

Definitely agree though the alternative can quickly become all day spent on TikTok or YouTube shorts.

[A4ET8a8uTh0_v2]

This. I have several people with kids similar age as mine in my circle, who seemingly gave up and now its all phone, pad or tv at all times. It is very easy to lose that kid to other distractions unless you provide enough of a structure for them.