Choosing The Right After-School Activity
For many parents, coming up with ways to keep the kids busy and out of trouble after school can be a problem. Families on a budget often can’t afford extracurricular programs, so they have to come up with their own activities. While many parents opt for the TV as a built-in babysitter, it’s better to use the time for an after-school activity that you can do together. In this article, we’ve got some great tips for fun and educational projects.
While it’s tempting to live vicariously through your child, it’s important that you put their interests first. When planning their after-school activity schedule, consult with them about new skills they’d like to learn and what their interests are. A child with a love of animals may want to volunteer at an animal shelter. Your little athlete may want to try a sport that he or she has never played before. Older kids may even want to get a part time job. No matter what the activity is, they should find it stimulating and enjoyable.
If you are supervising after school hours yourself, then take advantage of this time. Come up with a schedule of things-to-do based on your child’s needs and interests and assign a category for each day. For example, Mondays can be dedicated to sports or other physical pursuits, Tuesdays can be arts and crafts day, Wednesdays can be cooking day and so on. Look on the Internet and you will no doubt find 365 afterschool activities, or visit craft stores for ideas. It’s also a good idea to get your child’s friends involved in their favorite after-school pursuits. It encourages the kids to be social and it gives other parents a break.
If you do get stuck for an after-school activity idea, then ask your child what they’d like to do. This encourages decision making and gives them a sense of empowerment. To save money, speak to other parents about starting after school programs in your neighborhood, and sharing the costs of things like nets, balls and art supplies. Parents can also take turns supervising the children and teaching them a special skill. Know someone with a green thumb? Have them spend an afternoon teaching the kids how to plant seeds. Is one of the neighbors handy with a hockey stick? They can run a do-it-yourself hockey camp for the kids. Working with your friends and neighbors will bring the community together and the kids will be the ones who will benefit the most.
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Tags: activities after school, community center, community resources, educational resources, school art programs