How can I help my niece balance school and extracurricular activities?

Like some people have asked, what is her age? If she is under 10 years old she should have that many extracurricular activities that it's stressing her out. If she's over 10, then still, maybe she should let one pass. If you guys do not have time or a day of relaxation or study time, then it is too much! But a good way to balance is to sit down with her and make a weekly calandar, like on Sunday, that lets everyone know a head of time how she should be spending her time. If she has a test on Friday then she should not go to the basketball game on Thursday, she should study. And on Saturday she can invite friends over for a couple games of b-ball! Spring is almost here, so recommend nature walks to calm down the body/mind. ENJOY!

Your story regarding your daughter was very helpful. My son is a first grade student that is involved in track, football, sylvan, and know has a new interest in golf. I have found that the more structure that he has, which means activities he seems to focus very well. I have lots of family and friends that seem to think that a child my son's age should not have many responsibilities. But, I can honestly say that my son manages just fine.

I agee, and would like to add a little about homework. A generally accepted rule or thumb is 10 minutes per grade level.

This hold pretty true for my 4th grader; 40 minutes - 15 minutes of reading, leaving 25 minutes for homework. My second grader never has homework, but desires to do homework, so I have workbooks for her to do along with her sister. Teachers announce tests several days in advnce, and I can't recall any time they have assign homework over a weekend.

I believe this is very adequate, given their teachers make very effective use of time and do great job of teaching the basics. I cringe when I hear of grade school children being required to do 2 or more hours of homework and evening. Makes me wonder what is (or is not) going on in the classroom, They have already been in school 7 hours, and need to have time for extra curriculars, family, and unstructured down time.

I agree with your (Mom_of_Ra) opinon regarding homework, allowing kids to be kids and the importance of family time. I don't understand the attitude many parents have of giving children the stress we have as adults. A child does most of their learning during play, not homework!! Not high education standards, not extra-cirricular activities. Of course school is important, the basics (reading, math, proper grammar). Once a kid is in high school, then, I believe they can pick and choose their extra cirriculars and have the responsibility of juggling a schedule...only if their grades are passing of course.