But on the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find teens who are really busy. They’re taking extra classes at school, working part-time jobs, playing sports, and maintaining hectic after-school schedules with little to no extra time. It’s important to find just the right balance for your teen. You want them to be busy enough that they don’t have time to get mixed up with the wrong crowd, yet you want to make sure they’re not so bored that they start looking for trouble. But it’s also important to make sure they aren’t burning themself out as they run around from one activity to the next. In the best-case scenario, a teen has overscheduled themself because they truly love the activities in which they’re involved—but even that situation doesn’t mean that it’s always a healthy decision. Keep an eye out for one of these seven signs that a teen is overscheduled and be prepared to intervene, if necessary. So ask yourself, when was the last time you saw your teen doing nothing? In other words, when did they last enjoy an activity that wasn’t mandated by someone else? If all you can envision is your teen heading off to play rehearsal, practicing hoops for the big game this week, or studying French for hours, they might be doing too much. Although your teen might protest, school work should come first. After all, if he can’t graduate from high school, their athletic abilities or musical talents will likely only take them so far. So make sure your teen has plenty of time to do homework, study for tests, and be prepared for school before you allow them to continue with other extra-curricular activities. Unfortunately, many teens may fall into the trap of thinking they’ll get more done if they stay up late. But a lack of sleep can often impede productivity the following day. The less efficient they are at getting their work done, the longer it will take to get their assignments completed. The stress of having too much to do, and too little time to do it, can also take a toll on your teen’s physical and mental health. Research has linked chronic stress to a variety of health problems, ranging from decreased immunity to the common cold to increased risk of cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders. Teens who feel a lot of pressure to get into good colleges may feel forced to fill their days with activities like tutoring and violin lessons. But studies show the chronic stress many teens experience to be overachievers increases their risk of mental health problems, like depression and anxiety. And while you might think seeing their friends at school might be enough, there’s a good chance structured activities don’t leave much time for socializing. It’s less concerning if your teenager just isn’t in one activity anymore—they might have just outgrown it. But if nothing seems to bring them joy anymore, then it’s time to take measures. They may be stressed out, burned out, or even depressed. Be willing to take a Saturday afternoon to relax. Or, give yourself permission to go on a weekend getaway. Show your teen that you don’t always have to be busy and productive all the time. In other cases, they might protest at letting go of an activity or two, but slowing could be necessary for their well-being. Make the executive decision to take them out of an activity of their choosing—as long as it’s not homework or studying, of course. They can always pick it back up in the future if they find that they’ve been missing out. Keep in mind that the teen years are a vital time for your child to learn how to manage their time. If they’re struggling to find time to do everything, they’re going to need you to intervene and help them say no to certain activities. If your teen is really struggling to cope with the demands of adolescent life, seek professional help. Whether they’re a perfectionist, a procrastinator, or an overachiever, a mental health professional can assist them in developing healthier habits. Finally, keep in mind that some teens—as well as many adults—view being busy as a status symbol. Make sure your teen knows that their self-worth shouldn’t depend on how busy their social and academic schedules are.
