Doctors in the UAE are highlighting that the relentless push to fill every hour of your child’s day with structured learning and activities could quietly be affecting their mental and physical well-being.
The warning comes on the heels of a viral Instagram post by Mary Catherine, a US-based paediatric nurse practitioner and a mother (@the.mom.np), who reminded parents that childhood is not a checklist.
She recently wrote, “If your activity/sports schedule for your kids elementary age and below still allows for: Rest, Free play, Family meal and bedtime routines…then you are probably doing all right.
Additionally, in a study featured in the February 2024 edition of the Economics of Education Review, three economists from the University of Georgia and the Federal Reserve Board discovered that when students are overloaded with homework and extracurricular activities, the “last hour” no longer contributes to improving their abilities. Rather, these commitments then negatively impact their mental health, increasing feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger.
As schools closed for the long summer break this June, working parents rushed to sign their children up for an array of activities—from robotics to football camps and swimming lessons to piano and coding classes.
Though, the intention is often to keep kids engaged and off screens, medics across the country are emphasising that a jam-packed day may be doing more harm than good.
“Overscheduling of activities for children is a common occurrence during the summer holidays in the UAE,” said Dr Hanan Kandil, Specialist Psychiatrist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital. “It is good for children to be bored occasionally so that they can themselves come up with their own creative ideas to handle their boredom.”
In clinical settings across the UAE, a pattern has emerged each summer: more children complaining of headaches, fatigue, disrupted sleep, and even stress-induced stomach aches. These are all signs of burnout, doctors explained, often caused by too much structure and not enough rest.
Kandil lists several key indicators: “Fatigue or low energy despite a full night’s sleep, frequent infections due to weakened immunity, mood swings, anxiety around time-bound activities, and even a lack of interest in hobbies they once loved.”
Dr Mamata Bothra, a specialist in paediatrics and neonatology at International Modern Hospital, Dubai, also echoed similar concerns. “Every summer, we see more children showing signs of being stretched too thin — fatigue, poor sleep, irritability, and emotional withdrawal. In the UAE, many parents sign kids up for multiple camps and classes, but too much structure can be overwhelming.”
“Children need balance — not just to avoid burnout, for mental and emotional wellbeing,” added Bothra.
Experts underscored that sometimes unstructured time, whether it involves daydreaming, doodling, or just lying on the couch with a book, also plays a vital role in creativity and emotional regulation.
Dr Barjis Sulthana, a psychiatrist at NMC Speciality Hospital in Al Nahda, adds that burnout, common even in adults, is increasingly being seen in young children. “An over-scheduled child is a moody irritable child, and will be noticed as lacklustre when schools reopen.” She also encouraged involving children in planning their schedules. “Best way to avoid this is by involving your child in the decision-making process and involving activities which are both relaxing, as well as fun and enriching for kids. Every child is unique so customised plans will benefit the child, especially in balancing and avoiding over-scheduling.”
Experts stress that summer should be a blend of learning and leisure. Kandil recommends creating a flexible routine with no more than one or two structured activities per day. “Alternate high-energy camps with calmer hobbies like art or reading. Monitor your child’s mood and energy levels. If they appear constantly tired or stressed, cut back on certain activities. Avoid enrolling children in back-to-back classes unless they are excited and coping well.”
Bothra suggests dividing the day into thirds. “One-third for camps or classes, one-third for movement or play, and one-third for rest or family time.”
Another practical tip is to make the most of early mornings. “Take advantage of early mornings: Early mornings between 7am–10am are ideal for children to burn off their energy so make use of this time strategically, to allow children to get their physical activity, said Kandil. “Then allow the rest of the day to unfold with some quiet downtime.”
For younger children especially, playdates or time at community parks can offer just as much value as a structured program. These unhurried social settings help develop interpersonal skills organically and without pressure.
“Choose quality over quantity,” advised Kandil. “Instead of five different short camps, opt for one or two that offer a well-rounded experience with built-in breaks and playtime.”
© Khaleej Times
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