Work hard, play hard. Life is all about balance. I don’t mind putting forth the effort as long as I have equal time for my own activities and enjoyment. I believe the same is true with my children’s time.

Children need activities to grow. School is important, but it’s not always fun for our kiddos. To balance the grueling school days, after-school activities are recommended and encouraged. I strive to mold my children into well-rounded individuals. Being well-rounded is about more than just excelling academically or athletically. It's about fostering a diverse set of skills, interests, and experiences that contribute to personal growth and development. Encouraging children to participate in a variety of activities allows them to explore different facets of themselves and the world around them. They can develop physical skills, creativity, teamwork, leadership, empathy, and much more. The focus should be on the process of exploration and learning, rather than on winning or being the best. Ultimately, the goal is to help children become well-rounded individuals who are capable of contributing positively to their communities.

Right Choice

Extracurricular activities are also a great way for children to stay physically fit, have fun with friends, and gain new skills and experiences. Taking the time to find the right activity can help foster a sense of self-confidence. By exploring interests and passions, they are making life more interesting.  

Some children know exactly what they want to do in their free time. For others, it’s not so easy. Helping your child choose the right activity to join can be a challenge, especially when there are so many options available! To hone-in on specific extracurriculars, I suggest the following:

1. Think about what kind of activities spark their interest. The activity they choose doesn’t have to be one they are naturally gifted in. Encourage them to be fearless in stepping out of their comfort zone to try something new.
2. Take time to research different sports and hobbies. If you aren’t sure about making the commitment to join a specific activity, inquire with the organizer if you can try one or two sessions as a test-run.  Another suggestion is to see if they have a week-long camp over the holidays or summer to try it out.  Nowadays, everyone is commitment-phobic, so organizations understand the importance of sniffing things out first.
3. Ask friends and neighbors about the local sports and activities.  See if you can get honest opinions of what to expect. Make sure politics don’t taint the fun in the activity.  Talking to people who have experience in a certain field can help you make an informed decision.
4. If you like a certain activity, but you do not like the specific group, try a different group. Don’t give up completely on the activity itself. Sometimes the balance of personalities isn’t the right fit.  Finding the right activity with the ideal peeps can take some patience and effort, but it will be worth it in the end.

Sports

Sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics are popular choices. They promote physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline. Different sports cater to different age groups and skill levels, making them suitable for many. My son isn’t a huge fan of team sports, but he sure loves karate! Martial arts, track & field and swimming are also great physical activities. Also consider some smaller niche activities, such as fencing, lacrosse, and diving.

Performing Arts

 This includes dance, drama, and music. Performing arts help children express themselves creatively,  build self-confidence, and improve social skills. They can start at any age with beginner classes and progress as they grow.

Clubs and Societies

These could range from a science club, a chess club, to a reading club. Clubs provide a platform for children to delve deeper into their interests, learn new skills, and foster a sense of belonging.  Classes with wood-working or sewing are great life skills.

Community Service

Participating in community service activities can instill a sense of social responsibility in children. This could be volunteering at a local shelter, organizing fundraising events, or participating in environmental clean-ups. The local animal shelter can always use help walking dogs.  By providing enrichment to our four-legged counterparts, both the animals and the humans benefit.

And for Adults...

It's all too easy to say you are a busy working mom with kids that takes up every moment of your time. But stop! My best blog for moms can help with that. Although it should be considered important that adults take part in activities that allow them to develop new skills and pursue their passions, I understand the pressure of time . Here is a list of ideas for parents to pair with their children's activities and also a short list of personal time if you can make it:

Pair with your Children

With a little research, you may find sports and activities that pair children and their parents with new activities. Consider horseback riding, glass art classes, kite building and flying, and robotics. Another great area that encompasses all of this is Scouting. The Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts allow children to experience a multitude of different activities. My oldest son is involved in Boy Scouts, and his particular troop is very outdoorsy with tons of activities all the time. They canoe, camp, and take part in community service projects.  They always have fun activities planned. None of these are possible without the help of the parents. It has certainly gotten me out of my comfort zone! I am right there with him, setting up the tent for the overnight camping trips and attending activities with him. I have learned that I am never too old to make new friends myself!

Children need encouragement to help them make the most out of the many opportunities that life has to offer.  If they see that their parents are willing to try their hand at new adventures, they are empowered to do the same!  By exploring a variety of activities, parents can ensure that their kids are developing into well-rounded individuals with many skills and interests. Ultimately, these experiences will serve as valuable stepping-stones in their journey towards adulthood.

On your Own

• Take an Online Course: Technology has made it possible to learn practically anything from the comfort of your own home
• Join a Local Club: This could be anything from book clubs, to language exchange sessions, or hiking groups. Joining a local community can help you make friends and stay active.
• Start a Business: If you have an idea for something that you would like to launch, now is the perfect time to start planning. Look into resources such as grants and courses that can help you get started.
• Take Up a Hobby: This could be anything from growing herbs in your garden, to painting, writing, or cooking. Hobbies are great for de-stressing and taking time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

No matter what activity you choose, it is important to take time for yourself and for activities that bring you joy. Whether you are looking for after-school activities for yourself or for your child, there is something out there for everyone.

Laura D