How to Get Kids Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities can improve a kid's sense of responsibility, social life, self-esteem and eventual career options. Encouraging kids to get involved with an activity might be an uphill battle, but only if they feel like they are being forced into something. Get kids excited about activities by discussing their options and preferences with them openly. Encourage current interests, but try not to discourage curious children from trying new things.
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Instructions
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Compile a list of three to five or more potential extracurricular activities to go over with each child. Research activities by looking for after-school clubs and youth organizations on the internet, by talking to other parents and by visiting the school. Ask kids what kinds of activities their friends participate in that they have thought about joining before. Look for activities that relate to the child's current interests. A child who has a natural interest in outdoor activities, for instance, might join the scouts. A child who aspires to be a music teacher, on the other hand, might take music lessons.
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Talk to kids about what they want to get out of the experience. Kids might want to further a hobby, an academic interest or a social one. According to kidshealth.org, extracurricular activities can lead to friendships and will look good on school and job applications.
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Schedule a visit with the organization or facility by email or phone. Let the child participate in one meeting or event, then talk about it afterward. Ask kids if they had fun and if they want to do it again. If not, make sure it is really because they do not like activity and not because they simply do not want to join an organization. But make sure kids know that they are expected to join an extracurricular activity, if that was a predetermined guideline when the discussion was first approached.
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Help kids maintain positive attitudes by involving them in the process of choosing an activity that they really like, then encouraging them to continue with it afterward by talking to them. Encourage kids by talking with them about their interests and making sure they are having a good time. Ask kids questions about how much actual enrichment they are getting out of the extracurricular activity. Discuss their options with them, such as leadership opportunities and experiences that might benefit their academic interests or careers in the long-term.
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