The right extracurricular activities for your child may seem obvious, but I believe that a change or a challenge can reap great rewards.
When your child can’t walk past a ball without kicking it, it makes sense they’ll enjoy ball sports as an activity. But what if their hidden talents could see them shine on the stage? Or the crafty artist at home in an arts program might actually be a natural with the play and physical challenge of circus?
My own children are trying new things as well as returning to much-loved favourites this year. So with more choice than ever for extracurricular activities and their natural talents and interests not yet fully uncovered, are you wondering which is the right activity for your child this term?
Choosing an activity
Research indicates that children under twelve years should participate in a number of different activities because they learn what they like and what they are good at (and not so good at), and develop different skills. This time in childhood is referred to as the ‘sampling years’.
With my own children, we’ve done a lot of sampling over the years and discovered something in each activity. But participation doesn’t mean overloading our children’s schedule but instead finding a balance.
I’ve had discussions with each of my kids about what they might like to try or return to for their extracurricular activities. Inspiration comes from different places and is also sometimes influenced by their friends. It also changes as they grow. Asking questions like:
- ‘Would you like to try playing different characters?’ Cue the curtains for drama
- ‘Is there a sport you’ve played at school that you’d like to do more of?’ Sports time or Martial arts perhaps?
- ‘Do you think you’d like to decorate your room with your artwork?’ Some Art time to try out their creativity
- ‘Does the circus seem like fun to try?’ Let them monkey around at Circus
- ‘Would you like to be able to stretch your body into different shapes?’ Yoga for quiet balance or maybe dance for the energetic?
- ‘Could you imagine trying something really new or unfamiliar that you’ve never tried before? Would that be exciting or challenging?’ A step outside their comfort zone could be interesting!
The key here is the ‘try’ or the ‘sampling’. If we research different options in our area, we can let our children choose the activities they want to try (and that work with our family commitments).
‘Trying’ before buying is also a great way to see what’s involved and if it matches what your child (and you) thought it would be. For Academe Time programs I help parents with a trial class for this purpose before enrolling.
As parents, we worry a lot. But there really isn’t a right or wrong choice as every activity offers a learning opportunity and experience. The skills they experience within the activity may be quickly sampled and moved on from or resonate well beyond a trial. It all starts with the experience of trying.
What happens if the activity doesn’t stick?
I know that the sampling years can feel frustrating being in and out of various activities. However, Martin Camiré, a US professor who specialises in sport psychology and positive youth development, suggests that it is actually developmentally appropriate and even beneficial for kids to try an activity, then lose interest and want to try something else.
As our children’s bodies and minds develop, friendships and interests naturally evolve along with sources of inspiration. Something like watching the World Cup may inspire soccer, or seeing Frozen on stage could inspire a budding actor. Whether it sticks really isn’t the goal, it’s the enthusiasm to learn that reaps the rewards for their self-development.
From experience, I can say that if your child is ready to move on from the activity, keep in mind that it may be temporary. They may not have felt it was right for them right now. As they develop and grow it might become of interest again so leaving the door open is a good strategy. It may simply be taking a break or reaching the end for now if it’s the end of term.
Role models for activities
Role models can influence our children’s activities and motivate them towards creative or sporting goals. Children also look to us as their parents as role models, so don’t be afraid to show them your achievements along with trying new activities and the rewards that come from practice and time. (Although apparently my acting in shows such as Neighbours is not as impressive as I may have imagined to my own children, so disclaimer, it’s not foolproof.)
There is risk in trying something new and we’ve all comforted our kids through the fear of a new activity or experiences. Giving encouragement, support and taking an interest in their activity helps our children feel motivated and want to learn.
Every child is unique
As a parent we know our kids pretty well. We also have a perspective on what they may benefit from. This can help us to present them with activity choices that support their self development. For example:
- For shy children, drama or dance can build confidence within a nurturing space
- For children who find being calm a challenge, yoga can instil strategies for better concentration and focus
- For children that have other solo activities, being part of a sports team can teach interpersonal skills
- For the art of patience and problem solving, circus can be a great choice
Finding activities that tap into our children’s natural interests whilst supporting their learning and life skills, means we give them the best gifts of all; a love of learning, less missed opportunities and the self confidence to try new things.
Contact me at Academe Time to arrange a trial for the extracurricular activity your child would like to try. Not sure which program is right? Check each program page for guidance on the personal development it provides and the children we recommend will benefit.
