The Benefits of Extra-Curricular Activities | AD

Disclosure - This is a paid collaboration with Wetherby Pembridge

With the rise of technology in our homes and in our places of education and work, many parents are concerned about their children’s development. While tech definitely has a place in a child's world and plays an important role in education, it should never be forgotten that children need constant, real-world challenges in order to grow into well-rounded adults. An independent school in New York promotes a broad and balanced curriculum to ensure that children are able to cope with all of the challenges that life brings.

What sort of challenges do extra-curricular activities bring about and why are they so important?

Fostering Confidence in Children

Confidence in children comes from new experiences and new learning opportunities. As a child faces up to situations which are completely new to them, so their abilities grow and they know this…they feel the positive changes in themselves and so become more confident.

If your child shows an interest in a particular sport or academic subject, then it’s a great idea to encourage them to join a club or to attend extra classes in that subject. Their innate abilities will flourish and they will have the opportunity to socialise with like-minded children.

Equally, it’s important to help children to learn more about the things they might not enjoy so much. A child who has no aptitude for sports for example can still take part in extra-curricular activities which are physical…it’s just about finding the right one for their abilities and interests.

Team Spirit

When it comes to sports, there’s nothing quite like a baseball league or gymnastics club to help a child learn all about team spirit.

Working as part of a team is invaluable in many ways for a child’s future success. Collaborative learning is a big part of many school’s curriculum and so a child who is already part of a team outside of school will be streets ahead when it comes to working well in a group.

Future Leaders

Children who take part in extra-curricular activities are more likely to continue to do so once they go on to further education as a young adult.

This is not only excellent for their resume but also for their social lives. Moving away from home for the first time can be daunting but in a new sports group, drama club or science club, there are ready-made future friends just waiting to be discovered.

Being part of a club or society will allow young people to push themselves and to become leaders among their peers.

These young people, working together, will forge strong bonds which will serve them for many years.

Helping Your Child Find Their Niche

If your child has struggled to find an extra-curricular activity they love, don’t give up! Keep trying new things and think outside the box. They might not love sports but what about drama? Perhaps they’re more interested in singing or music? Joining a band or choir is just as valuable as football or softball.

Whatever your child enjoys, encourage and help them to keep up their extra-curricular activities. As they grow, they will form long-lasting friends and gain more skills and knowledge than children who don’t take part in any activities

Michelle