GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- When it comes to filling up your kid's spring schedule, research shows stress level and time management are key things to consider.

Many parents and kids feel pressure to start building a resume young that will help them down the line-- and for good reason.

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, colleges are looking at a larger pool but taking less. Acceptance rates have dropped from 70 percent in 2002 to 64 percent in 2011.

One local dad said even though they are a competitive family, he will always make sure his girls' are balanced.

"I think that it's important for kids to have that extra-curricular so that they have something to identify themselves as," said dad Chad Dare.

Dare says he and his wife push their daughters but try to keep it in perspective.

"We are a competitive family and so we do push our kids at the same time they are having fun," said Dare. "Obviously everyone who has their kids in athletics would like to see them play in college the reality is they probably won't."

And that's why Dare strive to find balance and carve out family time between activities.

Licensed Professional Counselor Scott Aber said he hasn't met a parent that doesn't mean well, but he counsels parents to look out for signs like irritability and disinterest in their kids as indicators that their kids might be over stressed.

According to the Child Development Institute, sitting down to a meal is important for kids, so if you notice most meals are on the run, Aber said try to carve out sometime every week for a sit-down dinner.