Alvin Rosenfeld, M.D., the leading expert on overscheduled children, is doing something about the problem. He and his colleagues have organized National Family Night, for which Americans are being encouraged to set one night a year aside for family. Hopefully, we will turn this time -- without scheduled activities -- into a monthly event.
The entire town of Ridgewood, New Jersey, is addressing the issue in its own way. Inspired by Rosenfeld's work, social worker Marcia Marra, M.A., organized Ridgewood Family Night. With the support of school administrators and religious leaders, the town cancelled all sports activities, homework assignments and even religious classes so families could spend time together on March 26, 2002. Some 91 percent of families took part in the event, and 89 percent of that group are in favor of another Family Night next year.
"Parents need to relax. Slow down. Activities are fine, but don't go over the top. Research says that what children need most are relationships, not activities," says Rosenfeld. "Focus on building meaningful relationships with your children, not becoming their chauffeur."
