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Aft
FIVE BENEFITS OF
FOR HAPPY, WELL-ROUNDED KIDS
by Christina Katz
P
arents, do you ever wonder if you may be taking the whole over-scheduling taboo too
seriously? For years, parents have been hearing that kids have too many activities, too much
homework, too-heavy backpacks, too much screen time, too much sugar… and on and on.
Personally, I find most parents are intelligent, conscientious, and trying to find a healthy middle ground for
everyone in the family. Most parents want their kids to have just the right amount of after school activities.
The vast majority seem committed to helping their kids become happier, healthier, more well-rounded
citizens without pushing them into activity overload.
So why not remember a few things kids stand to gain from after school activities instead? Kids can
benefit artistically, physically, socially, mentally and personally from after school activities. I contacted a
half-dozen after school activity pros, and here are some of the many benefits for kids that we discussed:
FIT, CONFIDENT KIDS
As Elle Woods reminds us in the film Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you
happy.” But motivating kids to get off the couch is not always easy for parents. Your kids are not typically
looking to you to motivate them to run some wind-sprints or do a series of gut crunches. They need someone
else to step in and motivate them to get moving. This is where after school activities come in, preferably with
dedicated, motivating coaches and instructors leading the way. Physical activities increase coordination,
inspire discipline, and provide energy outlets for restless kids. So let another trusted adult be in charge for a
change, and enjoy your down time while your kids get fitter.
LIGHTS WHO SHINE
As much as we would like our kids to carry on our values and ideals, it’s really up to them to
communicate to us who they are and what they believe. And while we may like to think that our children
are born whole and complete, the truth is kids often discover what they are made of after they become
immersed in activities that stretch and challenge them. Engaging kids in activities where they feel fully
immersed in the experience and are responsible for their own mastery helps kids discover what makes them
tick. When it comes to finding an activity for your child, look for outlets that challenge them while providing
gradual instruction and skill development.
PA R T O F S O M E T H I N G G R E A T E R
After school activities offer kids outlets for expressing their energy within a safe learning context. Feeling
part of a group with a purpose is a beautiful thing, so make sure that the space where your child spends time
is safe, fun, and growth-centric. Often kids become as attached to a center, a studio, or a routine as much as
they do to a group of peers. When kids go off to their activities, they should feel like they are going to one
of their favorite places – to their home away from home. If this is not the case for your child, then you might
want to check out other possibilities.
6 | S T. JOHNS
parent
MAGAZINE