Helping Your Child Choose Extracurricular Activities
Classroom learning is just the beginning of what children can get out of school. Participating in afterschool activities gives children an extra opportunity to make friends with others who have similar interests. This creates the perfect environment for building lifelong friendships and exploring their hobbies and potential future careers. Choosing from the variety of options can be overwhelming! Here’s how to help your child narrow it down.
Find Out What the School Offers
Most schools offer a range of extracurricular activities for children who are athletic, artistic, academic and everything in between. If your child is already showing signs of becoming a superstar athlete, see what sports the school offers. For a more artistic or musically inclined child, consider classes or clubs that will allow them to express themselves. Children who are full of facts and focused on learning may appreciate the opportunity to join an athletic team. Find out what’s available, and keep an open mind.
Talk to Your Child
Before you start planning out your child’s nights and weekends, talk to them. Even if they don’t have an extracurricular activity in mind from the get go, talking to them about their interests can give you a good idea of where to start. Tell your child what activities you participated in while you were in school, but don’t push them too far in that direction. If they want to play the same sport or the same instrument you once did, that could be a great way for them to get involved in their school community. It can also be a great way for the two of you to connect.
Try Something New
The best way for your child to discover what they truly love to do is by trying a variety of activities. Some activities simply won’t be for your child. For example, if your child is uncoordinated and prefers to be a wallflower, dance classes are probably not their thing. Encourage your child to step outside of their comfort zone while exploring their existing interests and talents. This will help them discover what they love and what they can live without.
Be Supportive
As a parent, it’s your goal to be your child’s biggest fan. While being supportive means cheering them on, even when they don’t excel on the first try, it also means being realistic. If they keep trying something over and over again but don’t love doing it, have a conversation. See if it’s time for them to move on and try something that will be a better fit. If they want to do something you used to do, it’s extra important to make sure it’s something they actually enjoy. At the end of the day, your child wants your approval. Support them by cheering them on and gently steering them toward activities they love that will help them grow.
We encourage all of our students to find extracurriculars they love. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a Titusville private school, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop their full potential. Teachers foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and equip students for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.