OCTOBER 2019 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 49
THE JUGGLING ACT
Overbooking a kid’s schedule can backfire on a family. (Getty Images)
BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH
Olivia Howell has two sons, Weston 6, and Wyatt, 3. Weston participates in theater
via the booster club at school. That’s enough for him and her.
“I’m a big fan of letting the kids have downtime to think and play,” says the Northport
mom. “We’re not really a huge sports family, but I do anticipate them wanting to try
martial arts or theater activities. However, I’m a proponent of taking it slow and not
rushing around if we can, so I tend to underschedule rather than overschedule.”
She has friends who do things differently.
“I have seen many parents exhausted from driving around nonstop, all day,” she says.
“It’s important to have balance. Do activities, but also remember how important it is
to spend time together as a family.”
WHAT’S INSIDE continued on page 50
54TIPS 55 58
ACTS OF PETS
KINDNESS
PARENTING
FAMILY & EDUCATION
HOW TO FIND BALANCE IN BUSY KIDS’ SCHEDULES
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