by Narnie

Created on: June 09, 2010   Last Updated: June 10, 2010

To a degree, I do believe that extracurricular activities can assist in reducing the impact of peer pressure. However, in saying this, it is not something to be done as the child may see as some sort of “trade-off”. Absorbing children in constructive activities that fill their day from a very young age is essential and even critical in molding the child’s psychology and cementing ideals and ideas early in life. Expecting at a moment’s notice and informing your child you will be engaging them in some form of extracurricular activities may well be the first thing they rebel against. Older children (teenagers) particularly do not fare well after years of being left to virtually fill their own time in their own way, almost in a totally “uncontrolled” environment, then suddenly to be thrown into a “controlled” environment. I believe extracurricular activities is certainly a great benefit in reducing if not eradicating altogether peer pressure, however, please be wary, a weaning process is necessary and much consultation with the child concerned. 

The age-old saying that – “idle hands are destructive minds” is a truth that I doubt anyone would deny. Sadly, in today’s world so many children, especially teens are left on their own for much of the time with no real structure in their lives. Once upon a time children were far more absorbed in family and home-care responsibilities to even begin thinking about what they might do next to fill their time. It is imperative to the human mind that we remain creative, pro-active and constructive in our thoughts and actions almost constantly and consistently. Failure to recognize and address these issues allows for empty-headedness to set in where destructive thoughts can over-ride those of constructive ones.

 I believe parents today are severely misguided in thinking that especially teenagers are more than capable of looking after themselves. Looking from a physical perspective, yes they are. However, one must extend their vision a little further into the emotional, mental and even spiritual welfare of a teenager. We all know that “loneliness” is an illness in itself. A child suffering from loneliness will more likely begin showing signs of erratic behaviors, withdrawal, and extreme rebellion and so on. Children need to feel wanted, accepted, secure and above all, they have a need to share their experiences through whatever means may

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