10 of 10

Write now Article Tools

The benefits of extracurricular activities for your children can be rewarding for young children. Not only is it fun for them, but they learn some of life's skills. For instance, a child participating in different after school activities, such as:

1. football
2. basketball
3. baseball
4. volleyball
5. swimming
6. debating teams
7. arts and craft
8. modern dance

9. music
10. theater
11. boys scout
12. girls scout

Participating in these types of activities teaches structure, discipline, competitiveness, how to follow directions, and it builds self esteem and self worth. Not only is it educational in this sense, but it is good for a child to be physically active, doing something that they love and appreciate helps to keep them physically fit.

It is good for children to learn early what it is that they truly like to do. When they find that niche, they will build upon it and eventually master it.

Extra curricular activities gives a child something to look forward to instead of having to do the same routine everyday. Sometimes children get bored with that same old routine day after day. I can hear some of them say, "thank God for the after school activities." It gives them a chance to gather with friends and make new friends along the way.

Extra curricular activities teaches them social skills as well. It would be hard to learn social skills if they never interacted with other children outside of the home or school.

Even though extra curricular activities are beneficial to young children in many ways, it is important for the parents to monitor those activities and make sure the child is getting what they need. Sometimes children join the different activities for reasons other than to learn or participate, but they also join to feel that they belong. They want to fit in or become popular among their peers which is okay. They may want to join more than 2, 3 or more of the activities in order to accomplish this. Parents knows their children better than anyone else, so the final decision as to how many activities a child will be able to join would be made by the parents.

Parents have to keep in mind that there are only 24 hours in the day and joining more than 2 activities can be quite challenging. Being in school half the day and then participating in after school activities can be very demanding. You want your child in extra curricular activities but at the same time you do not want those activities to affect your child's ability to do homework, chores around the home and attending some family gatherings. It is good for the parents to keep abreast of what is going on and how these activities are enhancing the growth and maturity of their child or children.

Overall, it is beneficial for young children to participate in extra curricular activities. The positiveness of it all is good for young children to learn leadership skills as well as learning how to be a team player. Thumbs up for extracurricular activities.

Learn more about this author, Fiesty.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The benefits of extracurricular activities for young children?
We want to hear your view. Write now!