Parent Magazine St. Johns September 2019 | Page 20

make a salad or set the table. Also, check out cookbooks Seek balance. While variety is the spice of life, don’t
geared for kids like Chop Chop: The Kids Guide to overwhelm your kids with activities that can cause stress
Cooking, Better Homes & Gardens New Junior Cookbook and affect grades.
and Wookie Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook.
Be of service. “There are many volunteer opportunities
that students can pursue in the community where they
“It is all about identifying the delicate balance that
helps foster their development of skills in activities that
they may be involved in for a lifetime,” Johnson says.
can give of their time and learn new skills,” says Cindy
Neely, a high school counselor coordinator.
Scouting, Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, and youth
groups are examples of service organizations that offer
real-life experiences outside of the classroom, fostering
confidence, leadership and communication skills.
Through engagement in their communities, kids are less
likely to feel isolated. They gain a greater appreciation
Considerations for extracurricular activities:
• Will there be extra fees for uniforms/equipment?
• Is the activity well staffed?
• Is the staff friendly and energized?
• Are activities well organized?
and understanding of the world around them.
• Is the environment clean and safe?
DIY: Volunteer together at a local shelter, help a
neighbor with yard-work or gather canned goods for a
food pantry.
20 | S T. J O H N S parent M A G A Z I N E
• Do the kids appear to be having fun?