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Enrolling children in a few extracurricular activities can build self esteem and help develop social skills as well as help them to stay physically fit. There are so many activities available to young people. Whether it is learning and becoming involved in a particular sport, a foreign language or perhaps dance the choices are endless. As a young person tries a new activity and improves their skill level they gain confidence. For example, I enrolled my son in skating lessons. When he first went out he was wobbly and couldn't skate very fast. He actually walked on the ice rather than skated. As the classes continued he quickly was able to balance and pick up speed as well as learn to stop. Soon he was skating backwards and spinning in circles. The time frame was relatively short and you could actually watch his confidence grow with each class. Soon he wanted to enroll in a hockey class so he could learn to participate on a team.

In addition to learning the skill of skating it has helped him meet new friends. He introduced himself to a few of the other skaters and even invited them to his birthday party. This developed a broader friendship base. As the teacher spends time with each child the child learns to take turns and to encourage others as their skill develops. They learn that it is necessary to pay attention in order to learn and then that it is important to practice to improve your ability. No one becomes an instant success. The people that work on improving their interest are the ones that become good at what ever their interest is and they know that it was through their own hard work.

With the added skill of their new sport and new friends to play with the children cannot help but stay healthy and physically fit. They will have a new skill to participate in and new friends to go with so they will be more active. They will have the confidence to try new things in the future knowing that with hard work and a good attitude they will achieve great things.

As long as children are not over done with activities they can be a great opportunity. Keep the activities scheduled in moderation. Don't be tempted to have them at a class every day. They may become burned out and eventually resent you for always pushing. Keep the activities their interest. They may have to try several before they find their niche but when they do you and your child will benefit tremendously.

Learn more about this author, Annette Liike.
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