Academics, like we all think is a very important for our children. We want to give them the best start in life and the best opportunities. But in so doing, we tend to overlook one thing, extracurricular activities. This is probably one of the most important aspects in giving them that well-rounded education. It is also what recruiters are looking for on their CVS, something that makes them stand out from the crowd.
There are many benefits to extracurricular activities. One of which is that it keeps the children very focused, helps them to be more organised at school and plan their time better and most importantly, it keeps them off their phones. Another benefit of extracurricular activities is that it enables them meet and make new friends with a common interest. These activities also give them a sense of purpose, so they are not bored all the time and/or get up to mischief.
I know we all think extracurricular activities are very expensive and time consuming, but it is also very rewarding. For those who wish to enrol their kids in an Independent school, this is one of the key requirements, especially if you are considering going down the scholarship route, which is very helpful in reducing those astronomical fees.  These activities can also be important when applying to colleges as they help to develop the child’s interests and passion whilst also teaching skills such as time management and Leadership.
There are so many various activities which a child can get involved in, like swimming, dance and drama, football, playing musical instruments, rowing, netball, tennis, performing Arts, Poetry club and a host of others. Your child only needs to choose an activity which he or she is interested in and channel all their energy into it. Let us remember that the interest has to be there, so we cannot force them into any particular activity just because someone else is doing it. As long as they have an interest in the extracurricular activity, then they will be more committed to it and they will enjoy it and want to go further in it. Let them decide what activity they want, or else you the parent, will be facing an uphill battle.
My daughter chose swimming as her extracurricular activity not only because she is very good at it, but she also enjoys it as a sport. This has seen her enrol in a swimming club, where she trains for two hours every week and participates in competitions. She has become more organised with her time, especially, because she also writes for a magazine. She has sorted out a timetable for herself to ensure her school work does not suffer and I find I don’t need to remind her about homework anymore.
I also have my 6-year-old daughter who loves to swim, and she has just recently been chosen to join the swimming Academy.
I think the most important thing is to start them as early as possible in their chosen activity because not only does it instil discipline in them, but it also builds their passion.
We all know how challenging this can be, but it’s that extra bit of sacrifice we make which will steer them towards those opportunities which they need and ensure that they achieve that success.