Multiple activities can encourage development of different types of skills such as artistic and athletic abilities but more than 2 or 3 activities in one period like a school term or throughout one season can be expensive and will lead to an exhausted child. Children may be better off playing one sport during the winter season and a second sport during the summer season such as rugby in winter and cricket in summer, or focusing on one year-long activity rather than several throughout a twelve month period.
All parents want their children to be well-rounded, balanced individuals and extra-curricular activities give children the opportunity to develop their skills in various areas so children develop a number of interests and talents.
The extra-curricular activities that are available to children these days is endless, with some being offered by organisers as early as infancy right through to the late years of high school, comprising:
– Team sports ranging from contact sports (football, hockey and volleyball) to non-contact sports (basketball and cricket), many of which can be played by both boys, girls and mixed groups.
– Non-team sports based around individual performance but often with a group of people so there is an opportunity for social interaction including Little Athletics, swimming, martial arts, dancing, gymnastics, skating and tennis.
– Creative activities which encompass all art, craft, music, singing, drama and theatre groups.
– Academic activities such as debating/public speaking, chess, language and photography classes.
Ideally the instructors at your child’s after-school activities should not only be qualified, accredited people (preferably with first aid training, especially for sports) with plenty of enthusiasm for what they teach but should also be willing to help extend your child’s exposure to the activity at a competitive level such as into regional, state or national competitions.