The Benefits of Extra-Curricular Activities

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Joining a club or pursuing a hobby outside of school is a fun way for your child to try new things, meet new people and stay active. These extra-curricular activities might include dance groups, football teams, hockey clubs, swim clubs, horse riding, scout groups or even charity work. They can also be a great way for your child to learn a new skill or sport too. 

By taking part in extra-curricular activities, your child will get the chance to develop a number of important personal skills that will benefit them both socially and academically. It will give them a chance to meet new people and make new friends outside of their school groups and often gaining a sense or freedom or independence they often do not get from school or home. 

James and Evelyn take part in a variety of extra curricular activities that they both really enjoy and that keep them both super active too. Whilst it can sometimes feel like I become a bit of a taxi system ferrying them both around, seeing the enjoyment, friendships and new skills they gain from those activities make it all worth while!

To highlight the importance of extra-curricular activities, Parsons Green Prep School explains some of their key benefits below… 

Personal skills 

Extra-curricular activities are an ideal way for your child to develop their personal skills and gain more experience. By adding a new activity to their timetable, your child will also be taking on more responsibility, which can help to improve their time management skills. They can they use these skills in day to day life too. 

Creativity 

By taking part in new creative hobbies your child will be able to explore and develop their personal styles. Art classes and drama groups are both great opportunities for your child to learn how to express themselves. They may find that they fall in love with a hobby they had never considered before, or find a creative spark for something they never even knew they had. 

Confidence 

Extra-curricular activities are a great way to boost your child’s self-confidence. This is because they provide an opportunity to gain new skills, explore a new environment and meet new people. Your child may also get a chance to improve their communication, problem solving and teamwork skills, which can all contribute greatly to their future career. 

Career 

Participating in extra-curricular activities is also a great way to build an impressive CV.  Often extra curricular activities can lead to joining various teams, clubs or challenges as children get older. This can help your son or daughter to stand out from the competition when applying for jobs as well as doing something outside of work or school that they love. Your child will be able to show an employer their personal interests and what achievements these have led to. 

Health 

Finally, extra-curricular activities can help to improve your child’s health in a number of ways. Many extra-curricular activities are physical; such as sports. These activities not only help to keep children fit and healthy, but they have also been proven to support their mental health too. Keeping active is important whether you are an adult and a child, so being able to maintain fitness levels whilst doing something you love is the best way forward. 

Do your children (or you) take part in any extra curricular activites? If so let me know what they are in the comments. My two love Swimming, football and horse riding. 

xXx

**This is a collaborative post.**