Children all over the country can benefit from having the chance to participate in after school programs. Some kids enjoy the camaraderie of being on a sports team. Others enjoy the inner dialog they can have with themselves while running, swimming, or playing tennis. Then, there are young people that enjoy spending time performing with the drama club or working on the newspaper staff. Any involved parent would probably be happy to find their child has taken up some constructive activity such as the ones described. It shows that the student is developing new skills and seeking the opportunity to become more social.
Sometimes, though, a child will only express an interest in playing video games, surfing the Internet, or roaming aimlessly around the neighborhood with a band of similarly idle youngsters. It is at this point that a parent might want to step in and suggest, if not demand, that their son or daughter get involved in one of the many after school programs that many communities have to offer. If a child likes to remain active, they might want to try karate, gymnastics, tennis, dance, or even horseback riding. Kids that are a little less inclined to sweat can enroll in classes where participants learn to cook, sew, sculpt, or draw. The possibilities are virtually endless. The most important thing is to encourage your son or daughter to develop a passion and to use their time for creative pursuits. This will keep them out of trouble, and it will also help them develop self-esteem.
Are you having a hard time finding out about after school programs in your area? You may want to start at the library or one of the local branches of the YMCA. These places usually host certain activities or have community boards where people post information about things going on in the area. At the very least, you should come back from one of these facilities with some more ideas about where to look.
Does your student interact well with animals or small children? If so, he or she might find it worthwhile to volunteer for a few hours every week. They can walk dogs at the local humane society or help coordinate meetings for a local scout troop. Imagine how many service hours a young person could accumulate if they started early in their academic career. This looks great on a college application, and it also helps them learn responsibility and build relationships with professionals in the area.
If you do ask your son or daughter to join an after school program, let them choose how they'd like to spend their time. They will just grow to resent this obligation if you force a certain activity on them. Just allow them to try out a few different classes or hobbies. It may take a bit of trial and error, but they will surely find something they enjoy after a while.