The article reflects on the pressures faced by children in today's educational environment, contrasting the simpler childhood experiences of the author with the hectic schedules of modern students. It shares personal anecdotes where the author, recalling a time of joy and friendship during art classes, now observes the intense load of extracurricular activities placed on today's children, including multiple classes and homework beyond school hours. This overextension raises questions about the impact on children's wellbeing and whether the pursuit of happiness is being overshadowed by the pressure to perform and be perpetually occupied.

Furthermore, the author, now an extracurricular teacher, points out the difference in expectations from parents who encourage their children to engage in numerous after-school activities, leading to a comparison between her own more relaxed upbringing and the current environment where students participate in 'a dozen' activities, from violin to multiple language classes. The weight of homework exacerbates this situation, causing stress and fatigue among students, as revealed through anecdotal evidence of students falling asleep during lessons, suggesting a troubling consequence of their overloaded schedules.

In conclusion, the article implores readers, particularly parents and educators, to consider whether the current trend of keeping children 'busy' truly contributes to their happiness and development. It advocates for a balanced approach to education and extracurricular involvement, acknowledging the importance of downtime and genuine engagement, rather than just filling up calendars with non-stop activities that may detract from the joy of childhood.