Why do people lump so many of the things kids love into “extracurriculars”? This would be fine, except “extracurricular” too quickly turns into “extraneous” at the first sign of adversity. Sports, drama, music, dance, acting classes etc. is always seen as “something extra” to the SERIOUS study of math, history, science, and English.

Why is this? Unfortunately, the answer too often given is that the SERIOUS things lead to the THINGS THAT MATTER: college, profession, a bumper sticker with an Ivy League logo. The thinking goes “If my child’s grades suffer, then what about their future?” But let’s think of this in a different way “If my CHILD suffers, then what about their future?”

Some will think we’re being melo-dramatic- but sadly, that’s not the case. In our acting classes, teens constantly express to us the tremendous pressure they feel about THEIR FUTURE. This fixation on THE FUTURE leads to anxious, stressed out, overwhelmed kids. In short, unhappy ones.

So why possibly would we take away that which gives them joy? Which makes them passionate? Excited? We take this away under the hope it will lead to “HAPPY FUTURE”? Says who? A survey of Harvard students found that nearly half experienced depression at some point during college. Clearly, getting into the right school is not the miracle elixir to a young person’s sense of well-being.

We’re not saying that kids should forego school work. Not at all! But unfortunately, the scales have been tipped way too far on the side of THE FUTURE. A future that holds no guarantees, or promises. So let’s not forget the other side- which is real, that brings Joy. Passion. Comraderie. Compassion. Surely, that side is worth as much time as all that SAT studying. Right?