Starting a new hobby is an exciting opportunity, a chance for your child to unearth hidden talents and learn new skills. Extra-curricular activities are so much more than just a fun pastime, they in fact support many areas of a child’s overall development. To explore some of the benefits extracurricular activities can have, I have teamed up with an independent school in Buckinghamshire who have shared the following ideas.
Learn New Skills
Your child will be able to explore their passions as they take part in new activities, and whilst they are learning to dribble a football or execute the perfect demi-plié, they are also developing a host of soft skills simultaneously. They will learn the importance of commitment and perseverance as they dedicate their spare time to honing their new skill. They will learn to master time management as they juggle school, homework and extracurricular pursuits. They could find themselves in a team environment or in leadership roles, developing skills that will benefit them far beyond their school years.
Build Confidence
The act of trying something new takes a lot of courage. Children who are encouraged to try different activities tend to be more confident in other areas, as they are not afraid to take on new challenges and step out of their comfort zone. As a parent you should praise them for their effort as they explore a new hobby and try not to focus too much on their overall success. This will give them the confidence to try new things in the future as they will enjoy the process of taking part.
Develop Social Skills
Extracurricular activities give children the opportunity to meet new people and develop relationships outside of the classroom. They will feel a sense of belonging with the other children in the group as they all work towards a common goal, leading to new friendships and increased confidence. If your child struggles with social skills, introducing them to a group of children with whom they share an interest is a great ice breaker and could help them feel more at ease.
