Should Children Take Multiple Extra Lessons?
Casal dels Infants – Amid growing academic pressures, many parents feel compelled to enroll their children in various extra lessons or tutoring sessions. The goal is to help their children excel in school subjects. But is this truly necessary?
According to Muhammad Rizal, Psi., a Child Educational Psychologist at the Applied Psychology Institute of the University of Indonesia, extra lessons are not always a primary need for children. “In reality, children don’t need to take multiple private lessons since most of their time is already spent at school,” Rizal explained.
Rizal noted that although today’s education system pushes teachers to complete the curriculum quickly, it doesn’t mean that overloading children with additional lessons from morning to evening is the right answer.
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“Children go to school at 7:00 AM and finish at 1:00 PM. Then they have tutoring from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. When do they have time to play, socialize, or explore the world around them?” he questioned.
He emphasized that children’s free time should not be filled solely with academic activities. It should also support their emotional and social development.
The trend of enrolling children in multiple lessons is often driven not by academic necessity, but by social status. “Nowadays, tutoring has become less about what the child needs and more about parental prestige,” said Rizal. He shared that in school communities, parents often ask each other, “Where does your child take tutoring?” as if this reflects parenting success.
Rizal highlighted the importance of children interacting with others outside the school setting. In his view, much of the essential learning in life comes from these social interactions.
“Through socializing, children learn manners. They learn how to greet older people, respect differences, and understand that many others are not as fortunate as they are,” he explained.
Extracurricular activities such as sports, the arts, or hobby groups provide positive alternatives for children. These activities help them grow holistically and develop life skills beyond academics.
Parents need to be honest with themselves: Are the lessons truly for the child’s benefit, or simply a response to social expectations? If a child does need academic support in a specific subject, tutoring can be a helpful solution. However, parents must be careful not to let their own ambitions overshadow the importance of play, rest, and personal growth.
Each child is unique, with different needs and potential. Giving them the space to play, interact, and explore their surroundings is just as essential as excelling in school. In the journey of growth, balance is key.
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