Amazing Girls
Have you heard of the Amazing Girls? They are basically uberachieving upper class suburbanites who are groomed for the Ivy League from birth. While they seem to be gazed upon dreamily as ideal teenagers, does anyone wonder if there is something missing?
Are they happy? Would they know it if they weren't?
Is Kindermusic better than Barney? Is yoga for 3 year olds better than the playground? Is art class better than a mud puddle? Is travel soccer for 6 year olds better than the recreation league? Are SAT prep classes better than a library card? Is the Ivy League really better than State?
I want well rounded successful children as much as anyone. But at what price? Should we forgo family dinner once they reach age 5 so that we can cart them to the next activity? Should your 8 year old be sick to her stomach over success or failure on one test? Should retirement be sacrificed for college?
Perhaps our children are best served when we allow them to experience life then pursue their passions. I've learned that boredom is a great way to unmask interests. But here is where some difficulty lies. There are tons of great programs for kids that are marketed to parents. Neighbors frequently cite the allure of these outstanding programs. It is extremely easy to allow just one more thing to creep into the schedule. But are they seriously going pro in that activity? One must be strong to withstand such peer pressure.
Once they uncover what they truly love, you don't need to bribe them to practice their instrument. There is no need to peel them away from the screen because it's time for the game. Free of overscheduling, they are pleasant human beings most of the time. And everyone is happy.
What about academics? For some, that is their passion. For them, 5 AP classes may be a good thing. And if it isn't, maybe they shouldn't be setting their sites on the Ivy League.
I'm sure that some of these Amazing Girls are happy and well adjusted. I'm also reasonably certain that many are so competitive that they wouldn't recognize the misery that is their daily life.
Are they happy? Would they know it if they weren't?
Is Kindermusic better than Barney? Is yoga for 3 year olds better than the playground? Is art class better than a mud puddle? Is travel soccer for 6 year olds better than the recreation league? Are SAT prep classes better than a library card? Is the Ivy League really better than State?
I want well rounded successful children as much as anyone. But at what price? Should we forgo family dinner once they reach age 5 so that we can cart them to the next activity? Should your 8 year old be sick to her stomach over success or failure on one test? Should retirement be sacrificed for college?
Perhaps our children are best served when we allow them to experience life then pursue their passions. I've learned that boredom is a great way to unmask interests. But here is where some difficulty lies. There are tons of great programs for kids that are marketed to parents. Neighbors frequently cite the allure of these outstanding programs. It is extremely easy to allow just one more thing to creep into the schedule. But are they seriously going pro in that activity? One must be strong to withstand such peer pressure.
Once they uncover what they truly love, you don't need to bribe them to practice their instrument. There is no need to peel them away from the screen because it's time for the game. Free of overscheduling, they are pleasant human beings most of the time. And everyone is happy.
What about academics? For some, that is their passion. For them, 5 AP classes may be a good thing. And if it isn't, maybe they shouldn't be setting their sites on the Ivy League.
I'm sure that some of these Amazing Girls are happy and well adjusted. I'm also reasonably certain that many are so competitive that they wouldn't recognize the misery that is their daily life.
posted by metamom at Tuesday, April 03, 2007
1 Comments:
I second that! My comments are here...
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