As a parent, you want your child to thrive and enjoy a well-rounded education. Extracurricular activities play a large role in this, developing students’ interests and hobbies and contributing to their wellbeing. However, there are times when it can be challenging to determine which path best suits them.
There are plenty of extracurricular activities that can both enrich and shape children’s lives. And with the best schools in Dubai offering a multitude of choices, the possibilities are endless.
As a parent, your role is to guide and help your child make the best decision for themselves as they choose their extracurricular activities and hobbies.
In this article, you’ll learn about the importance of extracurricular activities and find tips you can follow to help your child choose the right one for them.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter
The significance of extracurricular activities in a child’s life goes far beyond keeping them busy after school hours. These activities also help shape their physical, mental, emotional, and social development.
As your child’s guardian, you must understand these effects to appreciate the value of guiding them toward the right choices.
Physical Wellbeing
Around age five, children begin gaining the discipline to participate in organised after-school activities. Schools and community organisations offer them many opportunities, from sports and interest groups to after-school classes.
While not all extracurricular activities are physical in nature, many of them are. These bring a host of health benefits. Because it gives them the chance to exercise, extracurricular activities can help lower their risk of:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Low bone density
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
On top of that, physical activity also enhances sleep quality, fostering better health overall.
Mental, Emotional, and Social Development
Extracurricular activities assist in social, mental, and emotional growth. They provide a platform for children to develop the skills they’ll need as adults:
- Leadership
- Cooperation
- Meaningful peer interaction
Children learn to work as part of a team, communicate effectively, and solve problems collaboratively when they join a sports team or an interest club. Plus, they get the opportunity to experience what it’s like to interact with those who have similar interests and bridge cultural differences at the same time.
Extracurriculars empower children to build self-esteem and hone their interests and skills. The diverse array of available activities allows them to discover their passions and talents, contributing to a robust sense of self. Improved self-esteem is one of the most frequently reported benefits of participating in these activities.
Teens who engage in these activities also experience improved life satisfaction and optimism, and report reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms. These young minds spend less time on recreational screens, which, in turn, promotes better mental well-being.
Finally, children also develop positive habits through extracurricular activities, such as:
- Time management
- Community involvement
- Persistence and resilience
4 Tips for Helping Children Choose Extracurricular Activities
Guiding children into making the best decisions is one of the most crucial roles a parent has.
In this section, you’ll learn about four tips you can try when helping your child choose an extracurricular activity as they attend International Baccalaureate or IB schools in Dubai:
1. Discover your child’s passions and strengths.
If you were once the star football player or the prima ballerina, you might envision your child following in your footsteps. Naturally, sharing a love for the same sport or extracurricular activities is a dream come true for any parent.
However, you must realise that your child is a unique individual with their own interests and natural gifts.
To guide them effectively, you must truly see your child. Ask yourself:
- What is it that my child wants to do?
- What innate talents do they possess?
The most crucial aspect of this journey is understanding that your child’s path should be uniquely their own. It’s about nurturing their innate passions, talents, and interests. Shared activities can foster camaraderie, but respect for oneself and acknowledging one’s individuality are equally important.
2. Provide gentle guidance.
How you guide your child matters. Providing gentle guidance, rather than active encouragement, can be the key to nurturing their individuality and interests.
Gentle guidance is all about walking alongside your child on their journey of self-discovery. You must be attuned to their preferences and respect their choices (even when they seem unconventional or unexpected).
Of course, you can also offer suggestions based on what they need. If your artsy daughter frequently opts for creative pursuits, do not attempt to stifle her inclinations. Instead, suggest alternative activities that might pique their curiosity, like karate, that could provide her with a well-rounded experience and promote physical fitness and self-discipline.
Letting them step outside their comfort zones is also a good idea. You can do this by trying new activities together as a family.
3. Prioritise their wellbeing.
While encouraging your child to explore the world of extracurricular activities is immensely beneficial, you must also prioritise their safety and wellbeing.
When deciding whether to allow your child to get involved in extracurricular activities, ensure that the settings provide proper supervision and safety measures.
Confirm that their activities are conducted in environments where their wellbeing is given priority.
4. Stay focused on the big picture.
Amid the whirlwind of extracurricular activities, you must focus on the big picture. While these activities offer many benefits, you must still have a clear goal in mind when encouraging your child to participate in them.
Think about what you want your child to gain from these activities. It can be one or more of the following:
- Fostering friendships
- Promoting physical fitness
- Boosting self-esteem
- Instilling a strong work ethic
The beauty of extracurricular activities lies in their diversity; they can help build an array of life skills and character traits. So, if your child doesn’t have a penchant for team sports, activities like running or karate offer excellent alternatives for physical exercise.
Take the Journey Together
Maintain a balanced approach when helping your child choose extracurricular activities. Encourage their passions, prioritise their wellbeing, and support their choices. Take the journey together, and watch your child thrive, bloom, and become the best version of themselves.
Also Read: Do Extracurriculars Help High School Students Get Admitted to College Music Programs?
