Anyone agree? Re. Children in lockdown

[Sorehandsandfeet]

Now, I am aware that I am not speaking for everyone but I have spoken to a few people who have the same opinion. Before I get flamed, I understand that there are those living below the poverty line that don't have the resources for this lifestyle. I also know that there are some children who are not in the position to fully access education in lockdown due to poverty or neglect. However, I do think this applies to many.
Before lockdown many children had very busy lives with very little down time. After school there were all the extra curriculars,such as dancing, music, sports etc. Then there were the weekend competitions, matches etc. Alot of children I know pretty much had school, activity, dinner, homework and bed. Weekends were busy. Not only that but they were expected to excel academically also.
In my personal opinion, this high stress lifestyle was as damaging to the mental health of this generation as the lack of formal school is now.
Some children are finally being allowed to chill out at home with their families. Let's not be naive, most older children/ teens are still in contact with their friends via devices. Most are receiving 'some' education. I know it is substandard compared to being in class but it is still going ahead. Parents who wfh now have more time without all the running, ferrying children from one activity to another and stress of having to fit everything in. In some ways some children may have improved mental health/self esteem without all the pressure and competition.

What child goes to school for over 10 hours a day? If you mean wraparound care they play with friends, colour, play with toys, run around outside, watch telly etc. It’s generally pretty chilled. If parents aren’t picking them up until 6 then that would just about knock all activities out for primary as the majority are in the hour or two after school.

Covidcraziness, that was not my comment. If you read all my posts you will see that I have recognised that I may have over generalised and misjudged. Some children thrive in a very scheduled lifestyle, others prefer a more relaxed approach. Only we know our own families. I do not feel that children should continue this isolation, not at all! instead a balanced approach may be best for me and my family personally! I made the OP, read comments and feel more informed on the subject. I apologise if I have made others feel judged, that was not my intent.

Excellent piece, clearly written by someone who is completely oblivious of the concept of trying to "wfh", with small children in toe.

I do wonder how many more kids have been involved in accidents around the house over the last 12 months. Trying to play full time caregiver and full time worker definitely isn't the way forward in my view, but if it works for you, good luck to too.

*you

That’s a bit unfair. The OP has been very even in her comments and tried very hard not to be judgemental in her responses. Some people (including me) think children would benefit from fewer organised activities on return to normality but some posters’ children miss them and want to return to a jam-packed schedule. The OP has said she understands this but her viewpoint is just as valid. Not every child was thriving doing an activity every night. If it works for you, great but don’t shout others down for not agreeing.

Disagree!

You think it's more healthy for kids to spend all their time in the house in front of screens than be going out doing dance, sports, etc?

My 11 year old used to do karate 3 times a week, now she does nothing. She hates zoom karate and already I can see she's getting more weight on her than her previously healthy lifestyle had.

Not to mention the socialisation and those wonderful teaching moment competition is full of are so important.

MovedByFanciesThatAreCurled

I'm not worried. DC1 enjoys school but it's made us re-evaluate the rest. DH is going to WFH 3 days a week permanently and we're going to buy a second car which will allow him to collect DS from school and drop him off, so we use less wrap around care. We're also going to drop his sports club and stop over scheduling the weekend with day trips and playdates.

You think it's more healthy for kids to spend all their time in the house in front of screens than be going out doing dance, sports, etc?

Exactly. I find this attitude staggering really.

No but there’s a happy medium. Once activities are open again, it will be lovely to see children doing their some of their hobbies once more. Does it need to be every night? A full schedule on Saturday and Sunday? My answer would be ‘no’ as bored children become creative children and even ‘lazy’ activities like gaming stop children feeling stressed. The ‘It’s Monday so it’s tennis; Tuesday so it’s swimming; Wednesday so it’s drama; Thursday a play date of your choice...’ is as damaging for many children as the enforced nothingness of lockdown. But this is based on what I see and other families see children react in different ways. I have very fond memories of ‘playing out’. That’s what I think the children are going to need more than anything after this. But you will know what your children know best. One size does not fit all.

Does it need to be every night? A full schedule on Saturday and Sunday?

I don’t actually think there are many families out there who needed a pandemic to get on top of their scheduling.

Some people love being busy, some don’t, the balance shifts and changes with time. There are so many valuable things our children are missing out on right now.

Some people love being busy, some don’t

And I think some parents assume their children are the same as them, so parents who are homebodies think their kids are and parents who like being busy think their kids do to. I like being busy. DS does not.

There are so many valuable things our children are missing out on right now.
Yes, that’s a pandemic for you. We are all missing out so our health service isn’t overwhelmed. But after the worst has passed, it might be a time to assess whether the over-scheduled, stressed children were in a better state of mental health than the bored, inactive children now. I think there is a middle ground of providing opportunities for sport and hobbies but also days of freedom. The other danger is parents try to overcompensate for the missed months and cram even more in.

But your kids, your roolz, hun. Do what works for you.

But your kids, your roolz, hun. Do what works for you

Naturally.

You seem to be projecting hugely here, based on people you know nothing about.

With two sports based activities a week that he found hugely enjoyable, my child wasn’t overscheduled before. I have no need for re-evaluation personally, just an enthusiastic return when it’s allowed.

Okay then. I am delighted your child enjoys their two activities and your scheduling is spot on. Go forth and enthuse!