Activities, especially extra-curricular, mentally help students. Although, parents fear a child will be hurt mentally if they do not succeed in a chosen activity. Also, if a child is not chosen for a specific spot, they fear the child will experience mental stress. More than likely, this is a false belief. The benefit of participation in structured activities promotes social development and academic achievement. All of which strengthens the whole child.

Advantages to Extracurricular Activities

There are many advantages for students who participate in extracurricular activities.

Students goal set.  Students may set individual goals as they participate in extracurricular activities. Parents, children, and teachers must decide what the child wants out of the experience. As they get help to develop a goal, they are likely to continue the habit in the future.

Teamwork becomes part of most extracurricular activities. This includes drama, music, or sports. These work together to reach a common goal. In addition, they develop skills to succeed with others.

Students develop time management skills. No matter the age of the student, the more they do, the more they learn to prioritize tasks.

Activities help students discover their passions. Whether they are successful or not, they have exposure to various situations.

Self-esteem is built through activities. Whether a student achieves their goal or reevaluates due to a lack of success, they learn to find a new goal. This is an important part of self-development.

Enhanced school performance. Extracurricular and out of school activities help students perform better in school.

Activities promote mental health. They particularly help at-risk students. Peer support is necessary for all students.

Limited Disadvantages

Activities after school promote a sense of belonging. These activities build self-esteem. Thus, they have positive outcomes for the children that participate. However, there are some disadvantages to too many activities.

Some extracurricular activities are too much for children. The activity may take too much time away from free-play. Thus, it is not beneficial to the child. Also, if the activity ends in time for children to go to bed, overstimulation occurs. Hence, they do not have time to unwind. In this case, the activity is not beneficial.  It can only lead to stress and anxiety in children.

In the long run, outside activities are important to a student’s growth. It benefits them both mentally and physically. Therefore, balance the time for activities so children reap the benefits.