Extracurricular Activities For Kids

When it comes time to think about Extracurricular Activities For Kids, how do you help your child make the right match? Read 4 Tips from our Education expert!!

My daughter wants to do everything. Any time a flier comes home from school advertising a club or sports team, she jumps at the chance. Then, about two weeks into the start of the activity, she is complaining that she doesn’t want to go. Nothing frustrates me more than laying out a ton of money for an activity, only to find that my kids have no interest in going.  If I am going to drive my kids around town all afternoon, I want to be sure that they are gaining something positive from the experience.

How can parents help their kids make the right match when it comes to extra-curricular activities?  With a little planning and the tips below, you can make sure that your family is using your after school time wisely.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS: 4 TIPS FOR MAKING THE RIGHT MATCH

Tip 1.) Know your child’s interests.

Many children will show signs of natural interests from a young age. My kids were always drawn to music, even as infants, so it was only natural for me to enroll my kids in instrumental lessons and dance classes.  My friend’s son had amazing coordination and boundless energy so it was more natural for her to involve him with sports early on. Look for activities that your child chooses to do in his free time like drawing, swimming or board games. Then use those hobbies to find a program.  There are clubs and teams for everything these days.

Tip 2.) Try something new.

I am always amazed to hear stories from Olympic athletes who started playing some of their sports as kids.  I never would have thought to sign my child up for figure skating or water polo. Most of the kids in my town play the usual sports like soccer, football and baseball.  I had been trying to find a sport that my son could get into, but had no luck until he came home begging me to join wrestling.  It turned out to be a great fit for a kid who is small for his age and likes one on one competition as opposed to a large team sport.

If you have that kid who doesn’t seem to like anything, you may need to think outside of the box.  Look for alternative sports teams at the YMCA or community center.  Also consider craft classes, musical theater groups, and volunteer organizations.

Tip 3.) Don’t be afraid to change.

So your child has been playing soccer for two years, you are the coach and head of the boosters and now she wants to quit. I always have my children complete the season for whatever they agreed to do. It is unfair to the team to quit midseason and it sends a bad message. However, once the season is over, consider trying something else.  Sometimes it is harder for us parents to give up an activity than it is for our kids.  Try not to force your child into an activity because you loved it as a kid or because all of your friends are in it. Remember to put your child’s interests before your own and celebrate the person that she is.  Be your child’s biggest fan for whatever they are into.

Tip 4.) Don’t overdo it.

It is very easy to fill up your child’s schedule with activities but be careful not to overbook him.  I have learned with my own kids that it is better to do one activity that they really love a couple times a week than a different activity each day.  I was able to give my daughter extra time to practice piano once we gave up another activity.  Kids get burnt out easily so let them pick their favorite activities and get rid of the rest.

The most important thing to remember is that all after school activities should be as enjoyable as possible for kids.  It may take several years before your child finds something that they really love, but with so many choices out there the hunt can be really fun.

Here are some unique after school opportunities around Long Island:

• Bubble Learning Center in Babylon, NY offers a variety of programs including Yoga, music, art and cooking classes.
• For the artist, check out Mini Monet in Sayville, NY.  Drawing, painting and sculpting classes are available.
• Check out your local Hibernian center for Irish Step Dancing and Pipe Band.  It’s pretty unique to be able to play the bagpipes.
• Learn about animals and nature by joining the 4-H club at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.
• Bricks 4 Kidz has some really cool Lego classes, great for the aspiring architect.
• Most towns offer swimming, karate, horseback riding and tennis lessons. Kids might also like hockey, figure skating, rugby and golf. Check with your local YMCA or community center for classes.
• Don’t forget your local library – ours has an entire series of classes for children, teens and their parents!

Thanks for reading,
Anne Davis

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