Keeping Kids Busy With After School Activities: Is It Right For Your Family?
For millions of parents around the world, the day does not end with the school bell. There are still pictures to be painted, songs to be sung and games to be played. This all adds up to keeping children happy, safe, and out of trouble. But, parents have to steer away from going overboard.
After school is not baby-sitting:
After school activities thrive only if it is backed by sufficient parental involvement. What would a soccer match be without parents cheering their little heroes from the sidelines?
Research and choose:
Instead of convenience being the decisive factor, find out things that will interest your child. Once you select a program, get the fine print and find out what you have to contribute.
Free time:
Many children attend piano classes, followed by ballet, and squeeze in some time for play dates in between just before they rush home in time for bed. This rigor is too much for a child. So, go slow.
When to quit:
Often, parents enroll their child in an activity to discover that he may not be the prodigy they thought he would be. This is the time to let go. Your child may not become the next wonder-kid. But, let him cultivate an interest that he enjoys. Remember, happiness and fulfillment are all that matter.
Good list of things to keep in mind, thanks! My little one is still an infant, but I know we’ll be putting him into local sports leagues and sending him to music classes.
Sometimes the rigors are too much for the parents, too. 😛 Good tips.
Yes…I agree!
Great article. 2 of my 4 kids are in extra curriculars but only because they enjoy the sport. I also like to go and watch/participate so it works out great!
I run a swim team and it is disheartening to watch parents fulfill their dreams through their children. Just because you always wanted to be an Olympic swimmer doesn’t mean that you child will want to be one. Listen, learn, and love your child. It should be their desires and likes that drive them. If they love it, then move heaven & earth to make it happen. But, if they are unhappy, it is time to move on.
I agree!
I am a homeschooling Mom of 3 and our days our pretty hectic but we always make sure we take time for extracurricular activities and fun time after school. Thanks for the tips.
You’re Welcome!
Great article! My 10 year old love to be involved, but the last two years he hasn’t had the opportunity to do it as much as he likes. I have two girls 3 and under who have kept me extra busy! Now that they only take 1 nap a day and no longer breastfeeding he’s excited that he’ll actually get to join more clubs and sports! I will say, they can get pretty time consuming, but he’s only this age once…and I hope he’ll appreciate it when he’s a dad himself!