Studies have shown the incredible roles extracurricular activities play in developing children’s academic, psychological and social well-being. They improve students’ character development, promote happiness, and boost their engagement in the classroom. Among other benefits, extracurricular activities help students take on life skills that empower them to combat life challenges successfully.
However, although extracurricular tasks are highly beneficial to kids’ development, many parents struggle to fit them into their kids’ lifestyles. For instance, some parents think their children’s schedules are too hectic, and others struggle to provide support when choosing the most suitable extracurricular activities.
This article highlights how extracurricular activities impact students’ development and the best ways to introduce them to your kids.
Let’s begin.
Why are extracurricular activities essential for kids?
Here are the top reasons to introduce extracurricular activities to your kids.
1. Improve academic performance
Research shows students who participate actively in extracurricular activities achieve higher grades and academic accomplishments. Participating in extracurricular activities promotes self-motivation and a healthy, competitive spirit. In addition, since students enjoy the extracurricular activities they engage in, they develop a strong attachment to school. Consequently, their interest in being in school increases their engagement in academic activities, increasing their performance.
Moreover, extracurricular activities improve children’s sense of responsibility. They are motivated to execute their membership roles and deliver on their assigned tasks. Consequently, kids develop a sense of responsibility that positively impacts their attitude toward school. Finally, extracurricular tasks improve alertness, and students’ physical activeness, enhancing their academic performance.
2. They teach them fundamental life skills
Extracurricular activities influence your child’s everyday life. It teaches them skills to build healthy relationships, cope with pressure, pursue their goals, and succeed at other essential life events. From sports to community service teams, extracurricular activities allow kids to adopt leadership skills, perseverance, teamwork, service, empathy, etc. These skills strengthen relationships, empower kids to achieve their goals, and navigate through life successfully.
3. Boost self-esteem
Extracurricular activities allow students to learn in a fun, low-pressure environment. Rather than focus on their grades, students can tap into their interests, passions, and abilities. As a result, they become better engaged and use their skills effectively to execute tasks.
First, completing tasks successfully increases confidence in their abilities. Secondly, extracurricular activities expose kids to new interests and passions, allowing them to learn new skills and discover hidden abilities. Therefore, they experience less self-doubt and gain more confidence in themselves.
How to introduce extracurricular activities to your child
Extracurricular activities must be enjoyable, beneficial, and what your child wants. Here are the best ways to introduce extracurricular activities to your kid.
1. Give them options
Offering your child multiple extracurricular options will allow them to explore their interests and choose the most interesting activities. So, don’t limit their choices. Research suitable extracurricular activities based on your child’s interests and strengths so they can choose what’s best for them.
2. Know the limits
Every child has unique abilities. Therefore, understand the extracurricular activities’ requirements and ensure your child can participate within their capacity. For example, if an activity requires rigorous training or strenuous work, check in to know if your child can withstand the pressure.
3. Let them decide
Avoid selecting your kid’s extracurricular activities based on your preference. For example, you may want to select an activity based on your hobby or what you wished to have engaged in the past. Your child cannot choose what they want and enjoy because you’ve decided for them, affecting their excitement and engagement in the extracurricular activity.
So, while you can guide them by providing various options and enlightening them on the benefits of each, let your child decide the extracurricular activity they would like to engage in.
4. Support
After selecting a desired extracurricular activity, facilitate your child’s experience by providing the required level of support. Supply the resources and tools they need to participate in the extracurricular activity effectively. In addition, create time on their schedule to complete tasks and help them stay accountable to their goals. Doing these will enable your child to make the most of their extracurricular activities.
Find the right extracurricular activity with Explico
Understanding your child’s strengths and weaknesses will help you choose the best extracurricular activity for their needs. At Explico, we offer AI assessment tests that let students discover their strengths and weaknesses, maximize their strong points, and work on areas that need improvement. Our AI assessment will help you select an extracurricular activity that aligns with your child’s strengths, enabling them to thrive as members. Check our website and let your child try their first assessment for free.
