Enrichment Programs for the kids - How much is too much? Should there be a limit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - sounds like DD is your DH's "trophy kid". Please get help for your DD ASAP. And don't reproduce with this jackass. Ever.

I don't think your DD is who needs help. Your DH is the one needs help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

No one can legislate or even prescribe (like the PP) what is appropriate for a given child or family unit. There is so much variability from child to child -- based on DNA, biology, culture, language, religion, household, income, domicile, family and social network. In some families, both parents have time consuming occupations and therefore much of the activities for the children are highly organized, regulated and outsourced. In other family units, there is extensive parental presence, and or extended family presence, in the home and "enrichment" for the child is more "local" and familial.

This can be achieved in regular schooling. Not necessary through enrichments. Common sense is needed. There is a "norm" regarding what is good for the kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

No one can legislate or even prescribe (like the PP) what is appropriate for a given child or family unit. There is so much variability from child to child -- based on DNA, biology, culture, language, religion, household, income, domicile, family and social network. In some families, both parents have time consuming occupations and therefore much of the activities for the children are highly organized, regulated and outsourced. In other family units, there is extensive parental presence, and or extended family presence, in the home and "enrichment" for the child is more "local" and familial.

Who ever wrote this post seems to think that more more more is the way to go. I feel a balance in child development is in order here. There should be time to learn and time to relax and play. Just like we do as adults. We work all day and need time to wind down at the end of it. A child needs that time as well. If the father is doing all these programs to the child, I wonder if he takes the time to wind down at the end of his day or does he work 24 hours a day. This child needs to be abel to learn and grow in many different ways in her young years. To much of one or not enough of one can harm her. I feel that a doctor is needed here soon to help the father understand how to raise a well rounded child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - sounds like DD is your DH's "trophy kid". Please get help for your DD ASAP. And don't reproduce with this jackass. Ever.

I don't think your DD is who needs help. Your DH is the one needs help.

OP's husband doesn't think he has a problem so he will not get help. Thats why I suggested OP get some herself, to learn how to navigate the situation. And the previous posted is just being mean. This is a family that is suffering and the OP seems to be the only one with the wherewithal to recognize this and therefore has the burden of having to get the help. She deserves our compassion and support, not insults.

[Anonymous]

Yikes! I agree with the 1-2 a week at most at this age, and even for the next few years. There are many articles and studies out there that suggest that unstructured, free, play time is critical for children's social, emotional and intellectual development and that it boosts creativity. Please find a way to cut back for your daughter's sake.

[Anonymous]

Enrichment refers to the increased depth of study of a particular topic. It can be viewed as an extention of the regular educational curriculum. While too many enrichments might be overwhelming for average kids, most experts agree both acceleration (speeding up of instruction) and enrichment (increased depth of study of a particular topic) are beneficial for gifted children.

[Anonymous]

In addition to acceleration and enrichment, gifted children also need a stimulating curriculum. Without it, they can "tune out," losing interest in school. A curriculum for gifted children should require them to stretch their minds.

[Anonymous]

Is this in addition to (pre)school or instead of (pre)school?

More than I'd do either way, but I'm guessing that most people are assuming on top of (e.g. limit of 1-2 a week) rather than as an alternative to.

If it's instead of, you might be able to use the beginning of school as a way to transition away from the overload.

[Anonymous]

Some cultures value acceleration and enrichment for their kids and others do not. There situation here between the poster and spouse is what can be defined as a clash of cultures.
I suspect those who want to crucify the husband are plain white Americans and those supportive of his position are plain Asian Americans or immigrants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Enrichment refers to the increased depth of study of a particular topic. It can be viewed as an extention of the regular educational curriculum. While too many enrichments might be overwhelming for average kids, most experts agree both acceleration (speeding up of instruction) and enrichment (increased depth of study of a particular topic) are beneficial for gifted children.

This girl is studying three languages. Tell me how she would master even one of these with two others going on. She is doing at least five sports. Tell me how that is beneficial. There is no depth of instruction here, only a compulsive attempt to cover as many bases as possible. this has nothing to do with giftedness and everything o do with the father's issues. And they will turn her off completely at this pace.

PP is right that children learn higher level thinking, creativity, problem solving, through unstructured play.

[Anonymous]

For years it has been thought that teaching a foreign language to preschool-age children would be futile. However, recent studies indicate that the best time for a child to learn another language is in the first three to four years of life. Through language immersion, children can learn another language quickly and easily. During the first three years of life, the foundations for thinking, language, vision, attitudes, aptitudes, and other characteristics are laid down. Consequently, it would be a waste not to use a child's natural ability to learn during his or her most vital years, when learning a second language is as easy as learning the first. Since 50 percent of the ability to learn is developed in the first years of life and another 30 percent by age eight, early childhood development programs have the opportunity to encourage early learning and development.

[Anonymous]

More children learn more than one language

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2007-01-09-language-children_x.htm

[Anonymous]

Yes, but this child is learning four languages -- not two.

[Anonymous]

And not through immersion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For years it has been thought that teaching a foreign language to preschool-age children would be futile. However, recent studies indicate that the best time for a child to learn another language is in the first three to four years of life. Through language immersion, children can learn another language quickly and easily. During the first three years of life, the foundations for thinking, language, vision, attitudes, aptitudes, and other characteristics are laid down. Consequently, it would be a waste not to use a child's natural ability to learn during his or her most vital years, when learning a second language is as easy as learning the first. Since 50 percent of the ability to learn is developed in the first years of life and another 30 percent by age eight, early childhood development programs have the opportunity to encourage early learning and development.

I understand that you are promoting a specific perspective. You often post about giftedness and all. But your post here has nothing to do with what OP wrote. Her daughter is going to multiple, MULTIPLE, language classes, not immersion. This child is being dragged from athletic activity to language class to another of each to more of the same, only different. Nothing is covered in depth, but much is lost. Its not a healthy situation.