Here are the top three benefits of extracurricular activities for kids:
1. They help build self-esteem
When children spend time engaging in an extracurricular activity that they love and excel at, their confidence can soar. Knowing that they are good at something and having a group of peers who recognize that in an after-school activity can often ease the stress and worry of day-to-day classroom life with a boosted sense of self. This is especially true if they’re lacking in confidence because of any school-related issues or typical adolescent drama on the playground.
2. They foster the idea of teamwork
Learning to work with others, for the greater good of the same goal, is an essential component in life. Allowing your child the opportunity to experience this at a young age is quite the benefit, and helps with understanding the importance of relationships as well. Being with other children who enjoy what your child enjoys will also help your child to feel as if they “belong,” and give them something to look forward to week after week.
3. They are serious skill builders.
After school activities help sharpen skills that can serve your child better inside the classroom, as well. Dance and yoga programs can help your child master coordination and develop control. Drama or acting classes can help foster better reading comprehension skills, while extracurricular activities that involve critical thinking skills, like chess or math club, help build problem-solving skills. And imagine all of this growth while your child is simple having fun after school!
While the transition from summer to the classroom is a lot easier for us parents then it might be for us kids, we all know there is nothing like getting back into a routine that really serves our children best. Speaking of routine, this is also the best time to get your child involved in extracurricular activities, or as my toddler likes to call it, “fun after school.”
Have a great school year!
A writer, entrepreneur, radio host, and powerful motivational speaker – Michelle Dempsey, owner and founder of Michelle Dempsey, Very Well-Written, has one goal in mind: empowering women from all walks of life with her incredible personal life story of overcoming adversity and using the lessons learned to achieve success. Internationally published and known for her ability to connect with readers on a deeper level, Michelle has successfully united her passion for business and writing and developed a thriving career, offering writing and editing services, business coaching, branding expertise, and content marketing to business of all kinds.
