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It can be hard to encourage your child to participate in extra-curricular activities when they just want to sit in front of the TV after a tiring school day, but doing so will bring them a number of benefits. It’s important to pick something they really enjoy doing so they don’t lose interest, and something which will give them a sense of accomplishment. Here’s some information from a junior school in Buckingham on the advantages of your child taking part in extra-curricular activities.
Learning social skills
By engaging in different activities your child will get the chance to meet and interact with different children who share the same interests as them. Having a common purpose might make it easier for them to socialise and, depending on the activity, they may have to learn to work as part of a team to achieve a goal. This will help develop their communication and interpersonal skills, and widening their social circle will give your child a broader view of the world.
Building confidence
Extra-curricular activities they enjoy will give your child a chance to express themselves and be heard, which is especially beneficial if they find it hard to speak up at school. Having a safe space to do this will boost their confidence and achieving a goal will increase their self-esteem. Working as part of a team where members rely on each other will also help them realise their inherent value.
Time management and dedication
By attending after-school events your child will learn to manage their own time and juggle priorities – both essential skills for adult life. You can help them by encouraging them to take responsibility for their own timetable and plan their activities. Your child will also learn about persevering to master a skill or accomplish a goal, and about dedicating themselves consistently to something that’s important to them.
Exploring creativity
Your child might be more creative than academic, so certain extra-curricular activities will give them an opportunity to use their imagination and harness their creative skills. They might enjoy music lessons or art clubs, and participating in them will prompt them to think differently about the world, something which will benefit them later in life.
When choosing extra-curricular activities for your child, it’s a good idea to take into account both what they like doing and what they’re good at so you can help them hone specific skills while they immerse themselves in something they enjoy.
