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3- Group or Individual Sports
Kids, especially younger ones, need space to run around outside. Soccer is great because it’s outdoors, and it’s truly a team sport that encourages the spirit of a team player.
However, A kid who shuts down in social situations is a bit of a challenge. They might rather sit on the soccer field than try to find the ball. For them, try swimming. If they’re shy and sporty, swimming is excellent. The same goes for tennis or running.
Just because your kid is shy doesn’t mean they have to cool down their sporty energy.
4- Age-Appropriate
Think carefully about how old they are, and check that the program you’ve chosen has classes or teams broken up into age-appropriate sections.
Not only will the excitement fade fast for a younger child if the classes go for hours, but activities grouped with bigger kids (who seem like experts) can make them quickly feel self-conscious.
5- The Distance-Wise
Whether you choose a team sport, a creative arts activity or dance lessons, location is key!
The occasional out-of-city event for a big sports match or performance is fine, but you nor your child will not be as eager about any after-school activity that requires hours of travelling in the car each week. If that’s the case, you may both want to decide on an activity closer to home.
6- Safety Is Your First Priority
It’s always best to register for as many after-school activities at the child’s school as possible because this is an environment you know is safe.
So if you’re registering them for something outside the school ecosystem, don’t just drive off. Hang around, watch, and make sure it’s a place you can trust.
Are people taking care of this? Does this feel safe? A little Googling and contacting the centers can also go for more reassurance.
Lastly!
Best after-school activities provide physical and psychological safety, supportive mentoring, opportunities to belong, and opportunities to build skills that always positively influence your kids’ personalities. Go for it, and you will be rewarded in the future with a smart, understanding and great teenager!