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Educators say children who take part in extracurricular activities tend to do better
in school. Your child might seek out after-school activities on his or her own.
Others need encouragement. It is up to parents to take a role in searching out
activities for their children and encouraging them to take part, but forcing a child
to take part in an activity may lead to resentment or resistance. Parents must be
careful not to live vicariously through their children by forcing them to take up an
activity to fulfill the parent’s own desires.
Parents can make extracurricular activities more attractive in several ways:
- Give your child choices. Present several options, such as basketball, choral or
instrumental performances, computer club or volunteer work, and let the child
choose. It will give him or her a feeling of having some control. You also may
learn more about your child’s interests.
- Find out what others are doing. If other children your child’s age are taking part
in an activity, your child may be more willing to try it.
- Once children take part in activities, it is important that parents show an
interest, too. You can do so by attending your child’s athletic event, concert,
play or science fair or by helping in the classroom.
In addition to schools, find out about activities offered by local recreation
departments, the YMCA or YWCA, scouting and 4-H organizations, your
church or the library.
Make certain after-school activities do not interfere with homework
responsibilities. If your child’s grades begin to suffer, consider whether your
child is involved in too many out-of-school activities.
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