As kids return to school and parents sigh with relief, a variety of after-school activities and clubs spring up everywhere. While some kids know exactly what they want to do, others can be difficult to tear away from their favourite gadgets and may need more encouragement to join in some active fun. Here are five reasons to sign up the little ones for regular sports, social play and afterschool activities.
Physical Health
It really doesn’t matter whether they do ballet or football or climb trees. Getting kids active from a young age creates a healthy habit of being active, which they’ll be more likely to maintain in adulthood. They will be fitter and healthier, develop stronger muscles and bones, as well as better balance and coordination. All this helps them maintain a healthy weight and a sense of wellbeing.
Social Skills
In addition to making new friends and maintaining existing friendships, group activity also teaches the art of negotiation, teamwork and resolving conflicts. Through games and play kids learn to win and lose gracefully, and with the right guidance they learn to empathise and show kindness. A shy child can be completely transformed by getting a star in a gymnastics class for the best handstand, and a lively child can learn to wait their turn and think of others simply by being put in charge of an appropriate task within the club.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Learning the necessary social skills helps children bond with others and fit in within a group. Regular participation in something they enjoy creates structure in their lives, develops discipline and motivates them to work on achieving their goals – all crucial skills for success in life.
Unleash Their Creativity
As adults we can be so harsh in judging our creations, yet those who have maintained some creativity throughout life can accept that some of their creations are good and others are not. Being creative is such a great antidote to the stresses of life, and when you watch children playing freely and creating their own world, they completely immerse themselves in the moment.
Screen Free Time
The reasons for weaning ourselves off gadgets are many and they range from painful ones such as the ‘tech-neck’ and ‘text-thumb’ to other hazards like sleep disorders and inability to concentrate properly. When it comes to computers, laptops and iPads, it’s not always easy to tell where homework begins and distraction of YouTube videos starts. Bribes only get us so far, and battles over screen time are often lost by the parents before they even start. But get the children excited about their sport team or an arts & crafts competition, and they soon forget (at least temporarily) about their gadgets.