See Below: TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
This Post is About the Best Options for Extracurricular Activities for Kids and the Importance of Allowing Kids to Decide on Their Own Activities.
Finding the Best Extracurricular Activities for Kids
When I was a young mom of five, my goal was to get involved in lots of different extracurricular activities for kids. I wanted my kids to meet friends at a young age and get involved in the local sports club. So, I proceeded to sign my children up for as many activities as I could manage. But, running to various places wasn’t easy for them or for me!
I often found myself dragging my young babies around to my older girls’ swim lessons, cheerleading practices, and softball games. I felt I couldn’t neglect my older children’s activities, so I strapped my babies and toddlers into their car seats and went from one activity to another.
At one point, I had three car seats in my van, so my babies and little ones were with me for all of the extracurriculars we could squeeze in with my older children.
Of course, as my babies grew up, they too got involved in as many activities as we could manage. I can honestly say my kids enjoyed all of the extracurriculars and I was a true and committed fan of all of them.
If or when my kids didn’t like one of their interests, they didn’t join the next season. But they never quit before the end. My husband and I did not believe in quitting teams or clubs in the middle of the season.
Therefore, we had a no-quit policy in our house. Meaning, if one of the children decided to join a club or a team, they could not quit until the activity ended.
Of course, if they were not interested in continuing whatever they were doing, they did not have to join the activity again. But they could definitely not quit in the middle.
They were required to wait until the activity, sport, scouts, or whatever ended. We always stuck to the no-quit rule and continue to maintain that rule today while raising our two grandchildren.
Currently, our grandchildren are permitted to join whatever club, team, or activity they choose, BUT they cannot quit until it ends. We always encourage activities for kids with friends and other family members.
We feel the no-quit rule helps children fulfill their commitment to the group. It also makes children think about their dedication and responsibility to that activity before signing up.
In the end, the no-quit rule is a win-win policy since parents and children completely understand their obligation until the end of the event.
How to Choose the Best Options for Extracurricular Activities for Kids
What are the best options for finding extracurricular activities for kids? It seems like children are involved in so many activities these days, but are they really enjoying all of them? Extracurricular Activities for kids can be found in many places.
How do parents and grandparents figure out what is good for them and what is too overwhelming? Between extracurricular activities and school responsibilities, kids can find themselves in burnt-out mode before high school.
Many professionals have warned parents about excessive extracurriculars kids have on a daily basis. It is highly suggested that parents and children choose one or two or even three activities where children can focus their full attention on.
If the kids are not satisfied with one of their choices, they have the option to find another interest of their choice. Extracurricular activities for kids and school-aged children are important for socialization, learning teamwork, and making friendships.
Finding activities for children is generally easy. But, finding the right activities for your child may be more challenging. What do they enjoy? How committed will they be? Will they engage with the other children?
There are also questions parents and grandparents should be asking. Such as, are there any restrictions they will need to follow? What is the expected time involved? Can I afford it? Be sure to ask questions and discuss the answers with your child before committing to an ongoing activity.
Letting Your Kids Choose Their Own Activities & Extracurriculars
Again, there are many questions to ask, but the most important person to ask is your child or grandchild.
Before registering a child for baseball or basketball, who have absolutely no interest in those sports, ask them what activity they would like to do, and learn. Signing a girl up for cheerleading, who actually prefers football is not a good idea or fair to the child.
Be considerate when signing your child up for any and all extracurricular activities for kids. Get them involved in making decisions for themselves. Ask them questions.
Allow your child the opportunity to choose their own activity, not an activity you wish or hope they will do. These choices should be about them and not about you!
You and your child should explore available activities together. Find out the costs, the location, the time commitment, and your child’s interest in learning more about the activity itself. Focus on making decisions based on your child’s desire to pursue whatever activity they choose.
So, what happens when kids don’t engage in any activities? Or have not found an area of interest? How do kids react when they feel they don’t fit into a group, a club, or a sport?
It can be devastating for them! When children feel they cannot relate with others in the group they can feel vulnerable and worried. To better understand your child or grandchild’s fear and anxiety see GRANDPARENTS UNDERSTANDING FEAR AND ANXIETY IN CHILDREN.
If parents or grandparents force them to continue an activity they don’t enjoy, it can cripple the child with anxiety, depression, and fear. The child may withdraw from all activities and choose to do nothing.
Or perhaps nothing you have chosen for them. Be patient with them, but continue to encourage them to find some extracurricular activity that interests them.
Respect Your Child’s Preferences
Be Supportive About Their Activities Decisions!
In todays world of technology, kids engage with other kids through interactive games and sport. Online gamers can be just as or more talented than a basketball star. Although basketball is a physical sport, all children do not have the dexterity or ability to play sports. Therefore, they may opt to play online games. Parents should show kids who are Gamers the same interest in their activity as they would an athlete.
Although online activities are not played in a stadium or a field, it is important parents take an interest in their children’s online extracurriculars. All kids need to feel supported, whether it’s online or on a field.
So, be sure to take an interest in all of your child’s activities, whether it is an online gaming activity or creative drawing on a sketchpad. Or even watching your child’s TikTok moves and dances or listening to a silly song.
Connecting with your children is essential for a happy and secure parent, grandparent, and child relationship. Do everything you can to make their interests and activities your priority.
To learn more, see 7 IMPORTANT TIPS WHEN GRANDKIDS MOVE IN .
This post may include affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. For full disclosure read here.
Where to Find Products for Various Extracurricular Activities for Kids
If your child is interested in activities that include camping, cycling, snow sports, fitness and more, check out Backcountry. For outdoor clothing and equipment, go to: The North Face and Kohl’s.
For additional equipment and sports apparel, try Dick’s Sporting Goods, Columbia and JC Penny’s.
This Post is About the Best Extracurricular Activities for Kids Allowing Kids to Make Their Own Decisions.
TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR THE BEST EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
- Ask your grandchild/child about THEIR interests. Don’t force them to sign up for activities you want them to do. They need to have their own interest in the activity, not yours
- Offer a variety of extracurricular activities for kids. Don’t limit their interests or decide what’s best for them. All girls do not want to be included in “girly” activities and all boys may not be interested in sports or “manly” activities. Offer choices and allow them to make their own decisions.
- Have an open mind. There are SO many activities and extracurriculars that are different than we are used to. Keep an open mind when discussing and determining your child’s interests.
- Be flexible! Not all kids will want to continue with all of their activities forever. Give them the opportunity to try something new, but not continue it. (My personal rule: I don’t allow my kids to quit an activity until it’s over or the season ends. That includes sports, Girl Scouts, theatre, clubs, etc. They need to finish what they started, then they can decide not to rejoin. The bottom line is they cannot quit in the middle!)
- Get involved! If your child is playing a sport, in a play or online Gaming, show them your support. Watch them, ask questions, show interest in what they are doing. Your interest in their interests is very important for their personal growth and self esteem.
