The Bonus of Extracurricular Activities 🏃‍♀️

Parents! It is officially August, and back to school season has begun! It is time for your child to learn and grow in the new school year. 

The Bonus of Extracurricular Activities 

Often overlooked, extracurricular (EC) activities can be beneficial in expanding your child’s knowledge and interests. Encouraging your child to participate in group activities outside the classroom will help them develop teamwork skills and bring some excitement to their life. 

Extracurriculars bring depth to a student’s academic career. Not only will your student have an outlet to explore their interests, but ECs are sought after by most colleges and universities. Most post-secondary schools look for well-rounded people who can contribute to their campus dynamic with a unique personality and interests. 

That is why encouraging your child to have a diverse set of interests is important! 

Helping your child choose an extracurricular activity 

Extracurriculars can be done in and out of school. Talking to a school counselor can give you insight into what activities your child’s school provides. Usually, there are a wide range of ECs offered on school campuses, such as sports teams and clubs, including the well known Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Future Health Professionals (HOSA) clubs, and student body leadership roles that your child can explore.  

Out-of-school activities can consist of new hobbies, such as playing an instrument or creating a website. Even baking is an EC! 

Anything counts as long as your child is busy exploring something fun outside of school. 

The key to an EC (ooh, that rhymed) is for your child to enjoy doing it. They shouldn’t dread the activity.  

This is why it’s necessary to discuss different options with your child rather than signing them up for something they may not like. Having an open conversation where both you, the parent, and your child talk about his/her interests will allow you to discover what works best for your child. 

If your child is active, they may be fit for a sports team. If they like coding, they’re more likely to benefit from joining a tech club. 

And remember, your child can always change their extracurricular activity, or engage in more than one. After all, it is a discovery process. 

All Ages Require Support 

Even if your child is in high school, being supportive of their choices and encouraging them to try new things is a great way to help them grow and develop a well-rounded set of skills. It’s never too late to explore new activities and find what truly resonates with them. 

Good luck on this journey with your child, and best wishes this school year!