A Proven Guide to Choosing the Right Extracurriculars

It's easy for you and your child to feel overwhelmed by the amount of extracurricular activities available, especially when deciding on ones that will shape their schedule for the entire school year. If your child is considering adding extracurriculars to their routine, use this article as a helpful guide to explore the different types of activities and their various benefits, ensuring you make informed choices together.

1. Weigh the Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities offer many benefits that contribute to children's growth and development. Kids who participate in team sports or group activities build social support networks and learn to cooperate with others. They can make new friends, enhance communication skills, and understand the value of teamwork and community.

Time management skills are another significant advantage. Balancing school homework with after-school activities teaches children to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively. They learn to complete tasks within set timeframes, helping them set realistic goals and boosting their confidence.

Physical activity is a key component of many extracurricular activities. Regular exercise through sports or dance keeps children physically fit, enhancing cognitive functions related to attention and learning. This type of activity is essential for building strong bones and muscles and reducing stress and anxiety. Moreover, kids who develop exercise habits early are more likely to maintain them into adulthood.¹

Extracurricular activities also provide opportunities for personal growth. These activities often expose children to new challenges and help them develop problem-solving skills. Whether it's through a drama club, chess team, or science competition, kids learn resilience, leadership, and the joy of mastering new skills.

Additionally, extracurricular activities help develop specific skills. A child interested in music may join a band or orchestra, developing their musical abilities while improving memory and concentration.² Similarly, a child interested in writing may join a journalism club, honing their writing skills while learning the importance of deadlines and editorial processes.

Engaging in extracurricular activities is more than just filling a child's day. It's about helping them become well-rounded individuals. Each activity contributes to their mental, physical, and emotional growth, setting the stage for a more fulfilling life.

2. Consider the Types of Extracurricular Activities

Sports are often the most readily accessible extracurricular activities. They provide physical benefits and foster discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Whether it's basketball, soccer, or swimming, participating in sports helps children develop motor skills and improve their physical fitness. For those not inclined towards traditional team sports, activities like dance, martial arts, or rock climbing can offer the same benefits through different formats that might be more appealing.

For children with a creative flair, performing and visual arts can be particularly enriching. Involvement in theater, dance, or music nurtures their artistic abilities while enhancing their emotional expression and self-confidence. Students participating in art classes or clubs can explore painting, sculpting, and other creative projects, stimulating their imagination and improving fine motor skills. Arts programs are especially effective in developing patience and focus, as they often require intricate work and sustained effort.

Academic clubs and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs cater to intellectually curious children. Clubs like debate, chess, or coding sharpen their cognitive abilities and encourage strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. STEM programs are valuable as they prepare kids for a technology-driven world. Learning to code, build robots, or participate in science fairs can ignite a lifelong passion and potentially guide their future career paths.

Student government offers children the chance to develop leadership and organizational skills. Serving on a student council or similar body teaches about governance, responsibility, and teamwork. It provides a platform for students to voice their opinions, advocate for their peers, and create positive changes within their school. This type of activity also bolsters public speaking skills and confidence as they learn to handle key issues and make informed decisions.

Community service is an invaluable way for children to connect with their community and develop empathy and altruism. Volunteering at local shelters, participating in environmental clean-ups, or joining fundraising initiatives can instill a sense of social responsibility. It helps children understand the importance of giving back and builds their character in a way few other activities can match.

In choosing the right extracurricular activity, consider your child's interests and strengths. Encourage them to explore various fields to discover what ignites their passion. By engaging in these diverse activities, children can uncover new talents, build lasting friendships, and cultivate skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

3. Choose the Right Extracurricular Activities

When selecting extracurricular activities for your child, communication is key. Start by having an open conversation with your child about their interests. What are they curious about? What activities do they find exciting? By listening to their preferences, you can better understand which activities might be a great fit. The goal is to find something that aligns with their natural inclinations and passions.

Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. This step is not about limiting their options but finding activities to support their development. For example, if your child excels in math, a coding club might be an excellent way to further their skills. Conversely, if they struggle with coordination, signing them up for a dance class could help improve their motor skills in a fun and engaging way. The key is to find a balance that allows for growth in areas needing improvement and further enhancement in areas of strength.

Setting clear goals is another critical step in this process. What do you hope your child will gain from the activity? Are you looking for something that fosters physical fitness, boosts social skills, or develops a specific talent? Having clear objectives will help you and your child stay focused and committed.

Managing schedules is also essential to ensure that chosen activities fit comfortably into your child's existing commitments. It's important to avoid overloading them with too many activities, which can lead to burnout. Make sure there is ample time for:

• Schoolwork
• Family time
• Free play

A well-balanced schedule will keep your child energized and eager to participate in their chosen activities.

Trial classes can be a fantastic way to test the waters before committing fully. Many programs offer free or low-cost trial sessions. This allows your child to experience the activity firsthand and can help you gauge their level of interest and comfort. Trial classes can save time and resources by ensuring the activity is a good fit before making a long-term commitment.

As your child engages in these activities, be observant and open to feedback. It's perfectly normal for interests to change over time. If your child starts showing disinterest or seems unenthusiastic about attending, it might be time to reassess. Look for physical or emotional indicators of burnout, such as:

• Consistent fatigue
• Irritability
• Declining academic performance

If these signs appear, you might adjust their schedule or explore different activities that can reignite their excitement.

It's important to have regular check-ins with your child, discussing what they enjoy or dislike about their extracurricular activities. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the activities align with their interests and developmental needs. Flexibility is key—be willing to make changes based on their feedback and experiences.

By understanding your child's interests, evaluating their strengths, and setting clear goals, you can select activities that are both enjoyable and developmental. Managing their schedules and being open to trial classes will further ensure their experiences are positive and fulfilling. Most importantly, stay engaged and adaptable, ready to adjust based on your child's feedback and needs. Through this mindful approach, you can help your child thrive and develop into a well-rounded individual with a deep sense of purpose and joy in their activities.

1. Janssen I, Leblanc AG. Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2010;7:40.
2. Hallam S. The power of music: Its impact on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people. Int J Music Educ. 2010;28(3):269-289.