Do Extracurricular Activities Help Kids?
After a long day at school, kids often opt to participate in extracurricular activities from sports to academics. As kids decide which activity to join in, parents often wonder if their child is pursuing the right extracurricular interest and if it will help them. Overall, extracurricular activities have been shown to positively affect kids and help them physically, academically and socially.
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Positives
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Extracurricular activities help by providing kids with an opportunity to try out a new group or sport with others who have the same interest. Extracurricular clubs are a way for kids to get involved and gain support from others from the same background or to meet others. Pursuing an interest outside of school might help decrease student boredom and look good on college and job applications. According to Colorado State University, after school activities "support and complement classroom learning by emphasizing social, emotional and physical development."
Negatives
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Although extracurricular activities help kids in a positive way, there might be a few pitfalls to watch out for before picking out an activity. Be sure to let your child pick an activity that she shows an interest in as she may be more engaged in participating. Make sure the activity is age appropriate, and your child has a physical clearance to participate in team activities. Inform your child about the time commitment required to participate in the activity so she is aware before joining.
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Challenges
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After looking at the pros and cons of an extracurricular activity, it is possible the sport or group could be more harmful than helpful. Kids might feel stressed out when trying to balance school, family and friends. Make sure kids are aware it's okay to say no if they are overwhelmed with their extracurricular activities. If cost is a factor for a financially strained family, kids might feel worried about how the cost of joining an extracurricular activity could affect their family.
Considerations
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Keeping kids busy with extracurricular activities after school not only helps kids in a variety of areas in their personal life but might help keep them away from potentially dangerous circumstances and habits. Kids who are involved in extracurricular activities are less likely to become addicted to bad habits like drinking or drug use. According to Colorado State University Extension, extracurricular activities between 2 and 6 p.m. help keep kids busy when they are most likely to commit crimes, be crime victims or participate in sexual activity.
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