Should parents force kids to pursue activities (music or athletic lessons, for example) in order to learn things that can benefit them?

Parents' advice ranged from allowing their children to quit activities they hated to holding them to their commitments for the run of the activities, along with more moderate approaches, such as keeping practice schedules light or making adjustments to strike the right balance between school, play and rest.

EXPERT ADVICE

Experience with the arts, sports and the outdoors can teach social skills, expand attention span, develop a work ethic and reinforce academics, said Craig Pohlman, a psychologist and author of "How Can My Kid Succeed in School?" (Jossey-Bass, $19.95). Music classes, for example, often weave in history. Studying a foreign language can bolster English skills, too.

"Parents should be transparent with their children about why they are promoting specialty classes," Pohlman said. "Adolescents can appreciate the rationale, especially when it comes via a give-and-take dialogue as opposed to a parent-dominated lecture. Younger children can also comprehend long-term rationales if they are explained in developmentally appropriate ways."

Finally, make time for your own interests, Pohlman said: "Modeling curiosity and the pursuit of hobbies and affinities sends a message to kids that such activities are important."