Like all parents, afterschool activities for my children were heavily affected by restrictions last year and it created mixed emotions. On the plus side was less running around after school and packing of extra bags. But seeing my children missing the activities they loved each week left a heavy heart. As our kids return to a ‘normal’ school year, the question for us parents is whether to return to afterschool activities or ease in more slowly? Maybe the answer is to do both for all the benefits for our kids, but without the overwhelm.
Why afterschool activity is important
After the best part of two years spent at home, most children have had limited exposure to new experiences and more time spent inside on screens. For my own children, it’s now about shifting the reliance on technology and connecting with the ‘real world’ again. Experts agree that we now need to help our children get active and reconnect.
Kerri Rhodes, a school psychologist in Melbourne’s inner east says, “extra-curricular activities can help break up academic learning and are a great way for kids to stay active and reconnect to school.”
I’m hopeful that this year will see my children consistently back in their classrooms to support their academic learning and growth through the school curriculum, however, I also know there are significant benefits to be found in what they do outside of class.
Fun and friendship
Lockdowns and fewer social interactions made it challenging for our kids to make and nurture friendships. It’s an important interpersonal life skill I want my children to build on and one that definitely improves with practice. In afterschool programs with a mix of kids from different grades or schools, our children can expand their friendships and feel that buzz again of sharing a fun experience, putting smiles back on their faces!
Rebuilding confidence
It was all too easy in lockdown to lose a sense of ourselves and for our children who are still developing their sense of self, it was a real pause in their circuit of growth. Getting our children back into afterschool activities will help them learn new skills, make new friends, challenge what they know, and discover the exciting things they can do! When my kids feel the confidence that grows through these activities it supports all of their learning, including in the classroom.
Creative freedom
Some of us got creative during lockdown (painting was a new hobby in our house), it did however have its limitations. I now know, more than ever that creativity thrives best with freedom. Getting my kids back to afterschool programs will give them the space, guidance and freedom to explore what tickles their creativity, whether it’s Art, Drama, Circus or something else, expanding their skills and self-belief. This freedom can uncover and nurture talents in our children that we might not know they have!
Teamwork
With so much time spent in online learning, teamwork is one life skill that I feel really needs nurturing for children this year. It’s a skill that grows best with guidance, challenge and interaction in-person. With afterschool activities such as Sports Time bringing teams together for friendly competition or Drama and Dance performing together, our children can strengthen their skills and enjoy that unique team spirit and camaraderie that brings such joy to our kids and pride for us.
Gratitude
That old ‘you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone’ nugget was never more true in these last two years. As a family, we all loved spending more time together and not being as busy, but the novelty also wore off over time without interactions outside the home. Getting our children re-engaged with their afterschool activities is sure to give back the joy of learning and experiencing new skills alongside their peers whilst nurturing gratitude that now they can participate in person. I really like a program like Yoga Time for the child who is finding the transition back to school a little overwhelming, giving them the space to unwind and learn mindfulness strategies to help.
Finding balance in returning to afterschool activity
My kids are all different with some itching to get back to sports, bust out a move, put on a show and on some days it feels like all of the above! But we’re consciously planning our activities this year. Stefanie Lui Ten, the head of counselling of a support platform for parents, recommends picking one or two activities: “Ask your child if they want to do it. Evaluate after a few weeks. Don’t forget it will be exhausting for parents too!”
To find a balance in returning to afterschool activity, I recommend keeping things simple, local and easy after discussing options with your child. What are they really keen to try this term? What programs are available at their school so there’s less running around? How can you keep it simple without worrying about (or spending on) special uniforms, shoes or equipment?
To begin the process, I recommend looking for a program or provider that:
- Offers a variety of program options as your child may be hungry to try a few different things this year. Get some ideas here.
- Can positively and safely support your child as they find their feet. Kind and nurturing staff that help children feel secure are crucial this year.
- Isn’t an hour long drive away. Neither kids nor parents enjoy spending more time than needed in heavy traffic after school pickup. Find an Academe Time program at their school (link to school hub) that may run during their lunchtime or straight after school.
- Has parents and children who speak positively of the fun and joy it brings their child! That’s when learning flourishes.
I’m excited for what our children can enjoy this year with new friends, discovering new experiences and growing in confidence. That’s sure to put a smile on all of our faces.
Find an afterschool or lunchtime program at your child’s school here.
