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Do your kids love after school activities but constantly hop from one to another? As if getting into this habit isn’t bad enough, there is the expense of the wasted club memberships, uniforms and equipment to consider too. Given that, all being said, an extracurricular activity can work wonders for your kid’s confidence, self-esteem and social skills, however, here are our top tips for helping your kid choose, and stick to, the right activity for them.
Survey the field
As with anything in life, it is important to know all of your options before you make a decision. So to stop your child from instinctively jumping at the first activity that catches their eye encourage them to speak to their teachers or school social committee about all of the clubs they have. Armed with a full list of their options you should then take the time to review it with them.
Work out what they want
The next step is to consider what they actually want from their activity. Is it to gain a new skill? Give something back? Or is it simply to make some new friends? Whatever it is they want it will help to make a list of the top three things they would like to gain from it. This will help them to stay focused and give them a way of whittling down their options.
Narrow down their options
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Having worked out what they would like you should now help them use their list to sort through the huge array of activities. For instance, if they are just looking for something to let loose at then something which takes a large amount of dedication and concentration can be ruled out. If, however, they would like to achieve something a league sport may be for them.
Try before you buy
If they have managed to find several that tick all their boxes then why not encourage them to have a trial class at each to see which one they prefer? Most clubs would allow this and it will give them the opportunity to see if they like it before committing to it more long term.
Give them incentives
Finally having found, tried and joined a club or group you should continue to encourage them to stick at it. You may do this in a number of ways. It could be by attending their recitals, cheering on their team or by treating them to new equipment or accessories. This does not have to be expensive and by shopping around and not buying them directly from the club you are bound to make a saving. For instance shops which are aimed at a younger audience are always less expensive; such as Skate Hut.
