According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there is a strong association between kids’ participation in extracurricular activities and academic success. But finding an activity, club, or sport that fits a child can sometimes be a tricky matter. Just about every parent can attest to the frustration of trying to convince a child to practice an instrument or do their best work for a club project! So, there’s nothing like having a child approach an activity with enthusiasm and self-motivation.
Q: I am wondering about after-school activities. How busy should my child be?
Whether you live with a young, strategic chess player, a budding hockey player, or an aspiring actor, you’ve probably pondered the best way to encourage your child’s natural gifts and abilities. When is the right time for your child to begin lessons? How can parents encourage persistence without pushing? And is it even possible to balance the interests and pursuits of all the kids in your care?
Parents often ask the following questions: Is enrolling my child in extracurricular activities, in addition to school or camp, a good thing? How many activities are considered too many? What do I do if my child doesn’t like the activity, even though I know it is good for them? How do I choose the best activity for my child when there are so many different activities available?
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
