Parents who overload their children’s schedule with activities may stop after listening to psychiatrist Alvin Rosenfeld.

Rosenfeld, a nationally known child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist will speak about the “Over-Scheduled Child” at 7 p.m. Monday in Van Meter Auditorium.

In his book, “The Over-Scheduled Child: How to Avoid the Hyper-Parenting Trap,” Rosenfeld stresses the need for parents and their children to have more family time.

In the book, he instructs parents to cut down on excessive amounts of extracurricular activities for their children and enjoy the time they can spend with them at home.

Rosenfeld was chosen by The Mary E. Hensley Lecture Series committee that is comprised of professors and staff from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

The Mary E. Hensley Lecture Series is an annual presentation that honors Mary E. Hensley, a 1952 Western graduate, who dedicated 39 years of her life to expanding the knowledge of children through teaching and being active in their lives.

Sharon Hartz, an administrative assistant to the dean, suggested Rosenfeld as an option. The committee unanimously voted to choose Rosenfeld to speak.

The committee decided that Rosenfeld’s ideas embodied what needed to be addressed in this year’s lecture, Hartz said.

“We all felt that it is a problem,” Hartz said. “You want (your children) to be good at everything; there’s no playtime, no family time.”

Sam Evans, interim dean for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, said that the lecture was aimed for those who are interested in teaching or are presently teaching but can benefit everyone in the community.

“The nature of this topic is relevant to all individuals,” he said.

Psychology professor Katrina Phelps, who will introduce Rosenfeld, said that everyone, regardless if they have children, will benefit from Rosenfeld’s message of over scheduling.

“It’s not like a checklist.” Phelps said. “It’s a framework on how to prioritize. Students may feel overwhelmed with academic life, the idea of prioritizing and setting limits; it’s important for everyone not just families.”

Reach Kandace Sebastian at [email protected].