A recent article in Time Magazine (Jan 29, 2007), discusses indications that children actually "flourish" when their schedules are packed.

A study by the University of Maryland's Sandra Hofferth tracks how children spend their time and seem to show that kids are spending more time reading, studying, in youth groups, art, etc rather than on computer use. TV use among 9-12 year olds is down to less than 15 hours per week compared to 20 hours per week in 1981.

However, other studies show kids spend only 25 minutes a WEEK outdoors (for 6-12 year olds).

What do you all think of this article? There seems to be such a push to get kids into external activities so they can get the edge up on the competition for future sports, academic, dance, etc. opportunities. Bottom line, we struggle to balance providing our kids with fun opportunities with our time and money budget while encouraging academic skills but allowing them time to be KIDS.