As a dance educator with over 23 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of watching children explore countless activities—dance, sports, music, art, and more. I absolutely encourage kids to try new things; variety is essential for discovering passions, building confidence, and fostering curiosity. But there’s a fine line between variety and over-scheduling—and it’s one that can have a big impact on a child’s ability to fully engage and enjoy what they do.
I see it often in the studio: kids bouncing in and out of classes, trying multiple activities at once, and never quite finishing one before moving on to the next. While it’s natural to want to give children opportunities, overloading them can make them feel stressed, distracted, and unable to truly experience the joy of mastering something.
This is where teaching commitment comes in. Helping kids pick one activity at a time—with a clear start and designated end date—can teach them invaluable life skills:
Follow-through: Completing a commitment builds self-discipline and reliability.
Trustworthiness: When children honor their word, they earn the trust of teachers, coaches, and peers.
Openness to new experiences: Focusing on one thing at a time allows children to truly enjoy and explore it, rather than feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Strong character development: Finishing what they start teaches perseverance, patience, and pride in their accomplishments.
As parents, you can guide this process by helping your child:
Choose thoughtfully: Instead of signing up for every class or activity, let your child select one or two at a time—something they genuinely want to pursue. Once that is over, they can try something else.
Set a clear commitment period: Establish a start and end date for each activity. Knowing there’s a defined time frame helps children focus and feel a sense of accomplishment when it concludes.
Celebrate completion: Recognize and celebrate when your child finishes a commitment. This reinforces the value of follow-through and encourages them to try new activities in the future.
Avoid guilt for stepping back: If your child decides a particular activity isn’t right for them, help them end it gracefully and reflect on what they learned—without judgment.
When kids experience variety without being overloaded, they can fully immerse themselves in the present, develop their talents, and build a strong foundation for life. At Dance Moves of Charleston, I’ve watched countless students grow not just as dancers, but as individuals who understand the importance of seeing commitments through while staying open to new adventures.
Teaching children to honor their commitments isn’t about restricting them—it’s about helping them enjoy, learn, and grow with intention. By guiding them to focus on one thing at a time, we give them the tools to thrive, both in their activities and in life.
