Extracurricular Activities for Kids
Choices, Benefits, and the Dangers of Over-scheduling Children
Oct 28, 2008
Thousands of children every year participate in after-school activities and programs. Some join out of eager interest, others because their parents have nowhere else for them to go. In any case, parents must consider the benefits and disadvantages of joining these activities before thrusting their child into a busy schedule.
Choosing the Right Extracurricular Activity
Some children and teenagers benefit more from choosing an extracurricular activity that they already have an interest in. Others might join a club to learn more about a subject that peaks their curiosity. Some ideas for extracurricular activities are:
- Sports Activities, including: Basketball, baseball, track, gymnastics, soccer, football, aerobics, volleyball, tennis, weight lifting, dance lessons, cheerleading, ice skating, ice hockey, lacrosse, swimming and many more!
- Language Clubs (Spanish, French, Italian, etc)
- Writing Club
- Music Lessons
- Scouting
- Astronomy Club
- Debate Team
- Chess Team
- Student Government
- School Radio
- School Newspaper
- Yearbook Staff
- Environmental Club
- Drama Club
- Choir or Band
- Photography Club
- Religious Clubs
- Volunteer Associations such as the American Red Cross, local Humane Society, or local hospitals that need assistance
- Youth Organizations or Hotlines
Benefits of Participating in Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities have many benefits for children and teenagers alike. They help kids explore their physical, creative, and social potential. They allow kids to find out where their career or political interests may lie. Some activities, such as volunteer work, allow kids to experience how their time and effort benefits others in need.
Activities can teach real world skills that encourage life-long interests. They encourage teamwork and leadership skills, responsibility and discipline. Extracurricular activities teach children to multitask and micromanage as they juggle the demands of school, friends, and family.
Activities allow kids to boost their self-esteem as they learn to perform in something they enjoy. They may find friends that share their common interests and also meet kids from other backgrounds. If participating in a physical activity, the child will benefit from good exercise and a healthier lifestyle. All enjoyable activities provide a source of stress relief.
Lastly, extracurricular activities may reduce drug and alcohol abuse not only by giving kids a place to go instead of an empty home or wandering the streets, but also by giving them the motivation and sense of purpose to say "no." Parents who participate with their child may even find that they grow closer as they share conversation about their child’s interests.
Disadvantages of Extracurricular Activities
- Some kids may feel pressured by parents to perform and excel
- Some kids may feel burdened by over-scheduling and overwhelmed by daily demands
- Over-scheduled kids may feel irritable, tense, and unfocused in the classroom
- Any activity takes time away from schoolwork
- Kids who are obsessed with doing well, especially in physical activities, sometimes become the victims of eating disorders or anxiety attacks
- Most activities come at some expense, either for enrollment, uniform fees, outings, costumes, or more.
- School-related activities require a minimum grade point average to participate
- Parents usually have to be willing to put in their personal time and effort to transport their child, attend activity functions and otherwise be available
It can take some time to find the extracurricular activity which best fits both a parent’s lifestyle and a child’s interests. A child should never be pressured to join as many activities as possible for the sake of college applications or their parent’s priorities. Extracurriculars can bring out the best in a child if they are the right fit for the child’s interests, curiosities, and abilities.
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