UrbanBaby - Am I over-working my DD or giving her to...

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Am I over-working my DD or giving her too much free time? DD is in 4th grade at a NYC private, casually plays piano 1hr/week (almost no practice), plays a group sport which requires only 1 hr of her time/week (no practice), meets english tutor 2 hrs/week (mainly homework help). DD says I am over working her, but compared to her friends, she is not doing much at all. DD really enjoys life and is a happy child, but in terms of academics/extra-curricular activities, she has made no progress and is just average. Do you think I should push her a bit and add more to her schedule? or just let her be? Would appreciate your advice. TIA
6 replies
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09.25.09, 12:38 PM [ Flag ]
- I wouldn't add more to her schedule but I set the bar higher for her. Ask her what she enjoys if playing the Piano just isn't her thing anymore and try to find something that she is willing to work hard to achieve. IMO hard work is an important ingrediant to acomplishment.
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  09.25.09, 12:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
  - ITA, but the child needs to be enjoying these activities, especially the extracurricular ones. Maybe she no longer enjoys piano or wants to try a new sport?
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    09.25.09, 01:29 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
- whoa, I'm missing the logic here. Your child tells you she is overworked and you are trying to decide if this is correct based on what her friends are doing? Bad, bad idea. Can't wait til your dd throws that one back at you - "Well, All my friends are doing it"
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  09.25.09, 01:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
- Is there a reason you don't believe your dd?
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  09.25.09, 01:33 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
- OP, why do you feel that DD is not realizing her potential? "she has made no progress and is just average?" That's a pretty harsh assessment of your 4th grader, IMO
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  09.25.09, 01:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
- let her be - by playing pian she is learning to appreciate music, by playing a group sport she is learning teamwork & endeavor, by having a tutor she is progressing academically. Let her be - many kids (one of mine included) need more down time. I might cut back o nthe english tutor unless entirely necessary.
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  09.25.09, 02:44 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]