Kid Burnout: Are We Overdoing Activities and Sports?
- Thomas McMinn
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
As dads, we want to give our kids every opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. From soccer practice to piano lessons to weekend tournaments, it’s easy to sign them up for all the “good things.” But sometimes, too much of a good thing can backfire.
A Indiana University survey of teens aged 13–17 found that over 25% of teens reported experiencing burnout, defined as emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced confidence in their efforts. 25% is is roughly 1 in 4 teenagers who were surveyed. These numbers are probably very similarly to younger kids, but we as parents just assume because they are young they don’t have much to worry about.
The reality is, kids today are busier than ever—and it’s taking a toll. Burnout isn’t just an adult problem. When kids are overscheduled, they risk exhaustion, stress, and even losing interest in the very activities meant to inspire them. Plus when the hell did a 9yr old need to be on the comp team in order to be truly into a sport?
Signs Your Child Might Be Burned Out
It can be tricky to tell if your child is simply tired from a long week or heading toward true burnout. Some signs to look for:
Lack of enthusiasm – activities they once loved now feel like a chore.
Mood changes – irritability, frustration, or withdrawal.
Physical fatigue – constant tiredness, recurring minor injuries, or trouble sleeping.
Declining performance – slipping grades or skill levels due to stress and lack of rest.
If you’re noticing these signs, it may be time to take a closer look at their schedule. Also realize that your child might be overcommitting to impress you. It might be a great time to go for a walk and check in with them about how they are doing.
Check out this podcast episode: www.buzzsprout.com/2155756/episodes/17738269
Why Balance Matters
No I am not talking about some crazy yoga pose on one leg, I am referring to balancing your schedule. While structured activities teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience—unstructured time is just as valuable.
Making sure you kids have downtime helps them:
Develop creativity and imagination.
Learn to entertain themselves without constant stimulation.
Build deeper family and peer connections.
Rest and recharge physically and emotionally.
As dads, it’s our job to help create balance—not just busyness (society does a great job filling their busyness calendar)
Tips for Dads to Prevent Kid Burnout
Do a Schedule Audit Look at your child’s week realistically. Between school, homework, activities, and family time, how many actual free hours do they have? If their schedule is tighter than yours, that’s a red flag.
Prioritize Joy Over Pressure Ask your kids what they truly enjoy. If they’re playing soccer because they love it, great. If they’re doing it only because you played or because “everyone else is,” it might be time to rethink.
Build in Rest Days Just like adults, kids need downtime. Leave at least one or two evenings free from structured activities each week.
Model Balance Yourself If your kids see you constantly running, overworking, or overcommitting, they’ll learn that pace is normal. Show them the value of slowing down by practicing it yourself.
Check in Often Make space for regular conversations about how they’re feeling. Sometimes just asking, “Are you having fun?” can reveal more than you expect.
Final Thoughts
The goal isn’t to pull kids out of activities altogether—it’s to protect their joy, health, and growth. Sports, arts, and extracurriculars should lift them up, not wear them down.
As dads, we have the opportunity to not just sign the permission slips, but to truly champion balance in our kids’ lives. Sometimes the most meaningful gift we can give is space to just be kids.
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