Is Your Child Over-scheduled?
Many parents want to give their children every opportunity to succeed. Between sports, tutoring, dance classes, and extracurriculars, it’s easy to think the more the better. But experts are now warning: over scheduling may be doing more harm than good.
What the Research Says:
Recent studies show that too many structured activities can lead to:
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Increased anxiety and emotional stress
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Decreased creativity and independent thinking
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Sleep disturbances and physical exhaustion
Elementary-aged children especially need unstructured time to play, process emotions, and develop essential life skills like problem-solving and self-regulation.
Why Unstructured Time Matters:
Unstructured time—like free play or even quiet boredom—actually helps children:
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Improve focus and attention span
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Foster creativity
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Learn social skills and empathy through imaginative play
How The Sandwich Way Supports Balanced Childhoods Our book, The Sandwich Way, introduces young children to the idea that everyone has their own unique “way” of doing things—including how they play, rest, and learn. The story is simple, sweet, and layered with the powerful message that being different is normal.
Free Resource: Balanced Schedule Worksheet Parents can download our free worksheet that helps children:
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Reflect on how they spend their time
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Recognize when they feel most calm or overwhelmed
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Create their own daily schedule with time for rest, play, and connection
Action Steps for Parents
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Limit after-school commitments to 1–2 activities per week
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Schedule device-free play time
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Use The Sandwich Way and worksheets to create calm routines
Download our free Balanced Schedule Worksheet and let your child discover their unique rhythm with The Sandwich Way!
