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HOW TO PICK THE BEST EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY FOR YOUR CHILD
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B Y AU D R E Y S E L L E R S
chool is almost back in session, which means you can soon expect to see enrollment flyers and registration forms coming home in your kids’ backpacks. No doubt, many of these forms will promote extracurricular activities. From soccer and science club to music and math club, there’s an extracurricular activity to suit nearly every kid’s interests and talents. But how do you pick the best ones for your child? Here are some helpful pointers for your search.
Collaborate With Your Kids Choosing an activity that aligns with what your children want to do is essential. Sit down with them and ask them what sport, club, or activity sounds fun or exciting to them. Remember that your children may not share your same love of softball or piano — and that’s okay.
Consider Your Kids’ Natural Strengths Maybe your child can run like the wind or shoot hoops like a pro. Or maybe your kid has some serious skills in singing or painting. Think about where their natural talents would shine in an
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extracurricular activity, and then sign them up for the group that fits best.
Think About Time Commitments Depending on your kids’ ages, they may have a heavy amount of homework. You don’t want to overbook their schedules, so they don’t have ample time to study or sleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, most teens need eight to 10 hours of sleep each night, while younger kids need nine to 12 hours of shuteye. Also, consider how your kids will get to their various activities. While teens may be able to drive themselves, younger children will need transportation.
