Children & Extra Curricular Activities
There is a wide array of extracurricular activities that your child can become involved with, regardless of his interests and strengths. No matter whether the activity focuses on educational, physical or artistic development, or even just playing around or participating in games, children benefit immensely from being involved in a variety of extracurricular activities.
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Improve Physical Health / Supports Physical Development
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Whether your child joins a team to further talent in a particular sport or just wants to kick a ball around with his friends, the activity will help him become healthier. The federal government recommends children and adolescents do at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily to promote health and fitness. Joining an athletic team, whether recreational or competitive, goes a long way toward these guidelines.
Teach Social Skills
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Children often do not have the opportunity to work as part of a team when they are in the classroom. Being part of a group, whether it's a sports team or a dance or musical ensemble, teaches your child how to cooperate with other children towards a common goal. He will learn that in a team environment, there are occasions to lead and occasions to follow. These social lessons are ones that your child will be able to use throughout life.
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Encourage Commitment
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When your child joins an extra-curricular activity, he will learn that he will need to make time for the activity if he wants to succeed. Coaches often stress the importance of showing up to regular practices or rehearsals regardless of how busy life is. Some even go as far as removing children from matches if they have missed practices. Learning at a young age that excellence comes with a commitment of time and hard work will help your child advance in other aspects of his life.
Expand Horizons
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Extracurricular activities are great opportunities for your child to try new things and become exposed to experiences he might not encounter at school or home. Allow your child to try a variety of activities, whether he decides to play an instrument, learn a new sport, try dancing or even take up photography. These new life experiences will help your child become well-rounded and may even lead him to discover new talents.
Promote Self-Confidence
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Participating in extra-curricular activities will help your child develop self-confidence because he is learning to work hard, socialize, have fun and excel among his peers. Teams also provide your child with an expanded social support network. This is especially important as children with a sense of purpose, support and accomplishment are less likely to be depressed, become involved in drugs or engage in antisocial behavior.
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References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Message Strategy Research to Support Development of the Youth Media Campaign
- Discovery Education: Making the Most of Extracurricular Activities
- Scholastic Parents: Best Bets for After School
- TeensHealth.Org: Extracurricular Activities
- Mayo Clinic: Tween and Teen Health
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
