Questions about kids taking on heavy workloads

<p>Hi, so I have to write a report/article for english on the tendency of kids to take on heavier and heavier workloads. I'm working on interviews for the piece, and have already gotten interviews from our school's college counselor and a few students who I know are high-achieving. But I also think it would also be interesting to have the opinions of some parents in the piece, from both those who believe that high-achieving kids should be taking as much as they are these days, and from those who believe that they should be taking less. However, I've been having trouble finding/reaching parents of kids I do know. Would any parent here be willing to answer a few questions relating to their opinions on this topic? Anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)</p>

<p>Are you talking about heavier loads at the high school or college level?</p>

<p>As a parent of two IB kids, I’d have to say that we, as a society, push kids too hard in high school. Some kids thrive on it but others fry with it.</p>

<p>I’ll answer your questions.</p>

<p>high school level
and thanks!</p>

<p>Heavy is a relative term. For some the top academic courses and never any study halls is NOT a heavy load. Some can do the HS (or college) work in far less time than most others and also find time for many other activities. One size does not fit all. There are some kids who get perfect SAT scores without doing more than a practice test while others spend mega hours and dollars to get lesser scores. My experience is with a gifted kid who didn’t always get A’s, sometimes for not doing the homework while knowing 100% of the material when tested. As a barely 20 year old college senior with some grad level math courses he is enjoying his life. You may need to explore how the bright versus the gifted are impacted by a similar class schedule.</p>

<p>I’ll respond…</p>

<p>One of my kids has taken a course overload EACH term incollege. You can PM me.</p>