After School Activities & Self Esteem

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The right after-school activity can get your child more involved and excited than ever before. It can give them a sense of belonging and confidence. So how do you and your child pick the right one? It really comes down to a couple of simple questions.

First, what is your child interested in? Extra-curricular should first and foremost be fun. It is great for your child to challenge himself or herself, but picking an activity just because it sounds impressive seldom makes anyone happy. And, while stick-to-it-ness is always to be admired, allow your child to get out of a bad choice.

If your child is thinking about a sport, consider the time commitment. If you are wondering about the best sport for your child, your family doctor may have some great ideas. But sports aren’t your only option. Most schools offer various other activities.

And it doesn’t have to be school-related. The important thing is to find something interesting. 4-H projects help kids learn by doing. Scouts often offer opportunities, especially for kids who like the outdoors. If your child likes to write, encourage them to put out a simple magazine with their friends.

Also ask how busy does my child want to be? Extra-curricular can make kids more excited about school. But, if they are overdone, they can tire your child out and distract him or her from schoolwork. Different kids have different tolerances.

Building your child’s self-esteem by choosing an activity together and deciding if it is the right fit, make a winning combination for everyone.

Sarah Staude, StaudeS@missouri.edu
Regional Specialist, 4-H Youth
Cass County, Missouri
University of Missouri Extension