HEALTH MATTERS
Working parents aren't always readily available right after school to talk to their child, so utilizing affordable after-school programs can alleviate stress for parents, knowing their child is with trained, trusted adults and mentors.
Create a safe space
Each day 11 million children and teens leave school with no place to go, increasing their risk of being unsupervised, unguided and unsafe in communities across the country, according to a 2014 Afterschool Alliance study. And, since juvenile crime escalates during the hours of 3-7 p.m. according to the U.S. Department of Justice, parents have cause for concern about how their children spend their time during these critical hours. Parents can stay focused at work and have peace of mind that their kids are safe and on a path to success when they know their child has arrangements for supervised, after-school care with trustworthy adult leaders.
Get active, get healthy
Increased screen time, more snacking and fewer outdoor activities among kids and teens became prevalent during the pandemic. In 2017-2018, obesity affected 14.4 million children and adolescents between the ages of two to 19 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fast forward to 2021 and pediatricians aren't yet clear on how the pandemic has influenced the prevalence of obesity among kids. However, many note they've seen an increase in body mass index
Emphasize the importance of
emotional development
Thanks to a multi-year partnership with Kohl's, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is implementing programming at Clubs nationwide to promote and empower social and emotional development. After a stressful school day, kids and teens need mentors and trusted adults they can turn to in order to feel supported and better learn to cope with any challenges that may have come up during the day.