Today, kids are moving from one activity to another, and they seem to have more schoolwork, more choices, and more pressure than they ever had. While having a busier life with more responsibility isn't always harmful for kids, what harmful is the lack of 'down time' that kids have.Kids need to recharge their batteries just as adults do. In fact, they need to do it more.

 

1. Show your kids from an early age that you know how to unwind. Lounge around the house at times, or have a regular 'kick back and relax' time at your kids are young.

2. Explain the benefits of down time to your kids and let them know that it's a very important part of having a healthy life.

3. Take a good, hard look at your child's schedule and make sure that it will be manageable.

4. Make family time sacred and make it a big part of your relaxation routine. A family dinner is wonderful time for the family to relax, recharge and reconnect. Unplug the phone if you have to, and try not to compromise in having the whole family present.

5. Don't criticize your kids for hanging around and doing nothing. If they do nothing consistently, a discussion is warranted, but in most cases, kids are just doing what they need to do.

6. Avoid having TV as the source of much of your down time. TV doesn't recharge a child's batteries as well as things like reading or drawing. When kids watch a lot of TV, they'll become more restless and less active at the same time. Encourage activities at home that will keep them engaged but away from TV.