When it comes to extracurricular activities for tweens and middle school students, there’s no question that they’re beneficial. Research shows that participation in activities outside the classroom not only teaches time management skills and persistence needed for success in college and life — but also improves self-esteem and physical fitness.
But choosing what kinds of activities to focus on is something of a balancing act. You want your child to have every opportunity to thrive, but you don’t want them to feel overwhelmed. You want them to have fun, but you don’t want to break the bank paying for it — especially if you are already budgeting for important priorities like college savings.
Ultimately, it’s about applying common sense and relying on parents’ intuition because you know your child better than anyone else.
To save you some time, we consulted a few experts and came up with these 5 tips for selecting the best extracurricular activities for your young person:
- Prioritize Your Child’s Personality. Help your child choose activities that enhance their unique talents and interests. If it doesn’t spark joy or curiosity, chances are they won’t stick with it very long. At the same time, keep an open mind and be prepared to step back and let your child try something new. They just might surprise you!
- Keep the Future in Sight. Think of your child’s extracurriculars as an investment in their postsecondary plans, whether that’s college or trade school or a certification course leading to the workforce. The middle years are the perfect time to explore everything from team sports to academic clubs to the performing arts, and along the way, your child learns how to reach goals, solve problems and contribute to a larger community. It’s also excellent preparation for high school, a time when extracurriculars are increasingly necessary for a standout college application.
- Explore Budget-Friendly Options. The reality is that all extracurricular activities come with a price tag. The good news is that school-based clubs and sports teams are less expensive than many private alternatives. In addition, school clubs and teams and even some community-based organizations, such as the YMCA and Girl Scouts, often offer fundraising to offset program costs.
- Seek Balance. Make sure your child isn’t overscheduled on a daily basis and strive to keep their extracurriculars a mix of academics, physical activity and hobbies. It’s also important to be realistic about the time constraints on your family’s schedule and the time your child needs for schoolwork and a good night’s sleep.
- Encourage Fun. Keep in mind that your kid is still a kid. The future is certainly important — and it’s never too early to dream big or prepare for college — but children are at their best when they’re free to laugh and grow and experiment. When possible, reserve time for extracurriculars that are less structured and noncompetitive.
As your child grows, remember that extracurricular activities are a great way to help your child to discover who they are, what they’re good at and how they can make their mark in the world.
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