Unpopular opinion: Families and kids are too busy

I have a very unpopular opinion within our current societal norms. I think it’s a disservice to families and children to schedule them in too many activities. A day doesn’t go by when I don’t talk to a mom or dad who isn’t a slave to their kids’ schedules. They are busy, rushed, and often have a haze of anxiety that just envelopes them.  

These days, it feels like kids’ schedules are busier than ever. From sports practices and piano lessons to robotics club and tutoring sessions, many kids are running from one activity to the next with barely a moment to catch their breath. While it’s great that parents want to give their children every opportunity to learn and grow, overscheduling them with too many activities can actually do more harm than good. The pressure to keep up with an overloaded calendar can affect their mental health, physical well-being, and even their ability to just be kids. 

First, let’s talk about the mental load. Kids today are often juggling school, homework, and a jam-packed schedule of extracurriculars. When every hour is filled with structured activities, there’s little time left for downtime, creativity, or just plain fun. This can lead to burnout, stress, and anxiety—feelings no child should have to deal with. Kids need unstructured time to daydream, explore, and figure out who they are. When their days are too tightly packed, they miss out on these crucial opportunities for self-discovery. 

Then there’s the physical toll. For kids heavily involved in sports, overscheduling can lead to overuse injuries. Young bodies are still growing and pushing them too hard without enough rest can result in problems that last a lifetime. In a quick Google search, you’ll find that the rate of sports-related surgeries for children between the ages of 14 and 18 has risen dramatically over the last 10 years…some saying as high as 148%. And it’s not just sports—constantly being “on” with any activity, whether it’s dance, music, or academics, can wear kids down. They need a balance between active pursuits and time to rest and recharge. 

Overscheduling also has a big impact on family life. When everyone’s calendar is packed, quality family time often takes a backseat. Instead of enjoying relaxed dinners, spontaneous outings, or just hanging out together, families are racing from one event to the next. This can strain relationships and make it harder for parents and kids to connect. Plus, when kids are constantly busy, they miss out on other important experiences—like making friends outside of their usual circles or simply enjoying the freedom of an unscheduled afternoon. 

So what’s the alternative? It’s about finding a balance that works for your family. Take a step back and evaluate which activities truly add value and joy to your child’s life, and which ones might be more about keeping up with the Joneses. It’s okay to cut back and prioritize downtime, play, and family time. 

When I was in the thick of raising my five children through this season, I had a “one activity at a time per kid” rule. Yes, my little princes and princesses had to make some hard choices. Even limiting it to that didn’t save our family from eating many fast food meals in the minivan in ballpark parking lot.  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your family’s hectic schedule, I highly recommend checking out Patrick Lencioni’s book The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family. It’s a great resource for parents who want to step off the treadmill of overscheduling and create a more meaningful, connected family life. The book offers practical advice on how to focus on what really matters and bring a sense of calm back to your home. I found it extremely helpful to find the focus and sanity in an otherwise almost impossible situation. I hope you like it!