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Participation in extra-curricular activities will foster creative, social and physical skills that are desirable qualities to colleges and future employers. Involvement can strengthen self-esteem, build lasting friendships and create a lifetime of memories. These activities help define you in a different way than academic study will. Academics require so much of a teen's attention that subjects become jobs. Even a student who loves to read in spare time may find that assigned reading for an English class is work. Extra-curricular activities can provide a much-needed break from the academic grind.

Surprisingly, there is sufficient argument that students who are involved in extra-curricular activities earn better grades than students who are not. Parents may argue otherwise, and with good reasons. If a student's evenings are spent playing a sport or rehearsing a play, when will he or she have time to complete homework and study for tests?

However, students who have active lives learn very quickly how to manage their time. Procrastination is not an option for a student whose days are busy and structured. Students are much more likely to study during specified hours of down time than another student who "has the entire weekend, so right now I'll just play with my Wii."

Along those lines, students learn organizational skills from having to wisely budget their time. Calendars are necessary tools, not only for busy teens, but for busy adults, too! Learning how to use one properly is a fantastic skill to master, both in the classroom and after graduating. Parents can aid their teen in creating and maintaining the family calendar by allowing them to write practice schedules, due dates and study group meetings. It's fun, it keeps family members in-the-loop, and effectively maintains household sanity.

Better grades can also stem from the discipline that extra-curricular activities teach. Good coaches do not respond well to poor excuses for missing practices. Failing in a school subject generally hurts only the student. Failing at a group activity affects everyone. Involved students learn this truth quickly, and loyalty to themselves and teammates becomes an important priority.

Teamwork is another part of discipline and a very necessary skill. Understanding how to work well with others can guarantee a lifetime of positive relationships. In extra-curriculars, students learn to encourage others, lift others' spirits, celebrate wins and learn from losses. Teamwork creates a humble

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