What Kids Need: Extracurricular Activities

What Kids Need: Extracurricular Activities

Supported by various studies, kids who participate in extracurricular activities in school have greater resilience in life.  That resilience makes them able to bounce back when the going gets tough.  61% of those resilient kids participate in extracurricular activities; what better kids to have your kids around those kids to participate in the clubs, sports, music, debate teams, dance teams, and the like that each school has to offer.  Schools offer various clubs and activities according to the staff they have to cover those clubs.  Many parents are unaware of the clubs and activities offered at their child’s school.  There are foreign language clubs, ethnic clubs, math clubs, science clubs, and opportunities.  Take the time to visit your child’s school counselor and get a list of the clubs and activities for the current school year.  A quick email to your child’s teachers asking what clubs may be available in their content area.  Most of them meet after school; a few may meet before school, depending on the school’s starting time.  

When kids are involved in the clubs and activities of a school, they are with good kids.  Typically, kids who do their homework are ethical values, persistence, determination, good integrity, and good character.  The right kind of kids you want your kids to be involved with at school.  It is also essential that when a child selects an extracurricular activity, they stick with it, at least for the school year.  Staying with something and being willing to participate fully develops determination and persistence, serving them all their lives.

The friends made during after-school activities last a lifetime and are the first ones adults seek out at class reunions.  These friendships are strong because of teamwork, perseverance, facing adversity, and determination needed at various times during the activity.

In alignment with Clubs and Activities is Doing Your Best, I have a posting here Resilience in Kids: Doing Their Best – Dr. Rich Patterson (pattersonphd.com)

Very Well Family has an effective posting here on the benefits of Clubs and Activities for Kids Types of Clubs and Groups for Children (verywellfamily.com)

Yours for Better Parenting,

Rich