Probably, some of you will have already signed your children to an activity such as dance, football, music, painting, karate, languages, chess, etc., but many others may be considering if point them or not to extracurricular activities.
There are certain recommendations to keep in mind before pointing children to extracurricular activities, especially when we talk about young children under six years old.
Do we do it for them or for us?
One of the first things we have to ask ourselves is whether we aim at them because it is good for our parents to have the children "placed" a couple more hours or because they really like them and enjoy the activities.
Sometimes the decision it depends more on the working hours of the parents than of the child's wishes. After all, if the child does not feel motivated by the activity he is going to do, he will be reluctant and end up abandoning it. Or worse, he will be forced to do something he doesn't like instead of doing some more productive activity like playing.
Tips for choosing the activity
If your children want to attend extracurricular classes, it is very important to know how to choose the activity according to their tastes.
They can contribute to wake up hobbies which are not usually found in most school programs such as playing an instrument, learning theater, cooking, crafts, etc.
The really important thing is that they have fun, relax, make friends with other children and meet new possibilities.
Ideally, we can search activities to do with them such as yoga, theater, body expression, etc. In this way, the activity fulfills its educational function and we also share with them a precious time, outside of daily routines.
The fundamental thing is that the activity chosen is a pleasure for them and not a burden. They are educational and enriching activities for the development of the little ones, as long as they leave time for rest and play.
Therefore, you should talk with the child to decide the activity he is going to do and throughout the course observe his behavior to know if he is excited, bored or tired of the activity. And of course, choose the right place to attend. Thus, you can make the most appropriate decision for the benefit of the child.
Leave them free time
For children it is very important enjoy free time in your childhood. If they have their agenda packed with activities, we don't leave them time to play, enjoy nature, spend time with friends, think, create, rest and of course, we take time to spend with family.
Recharging them from activities at such early ages can cause them to be overwhelmed, disinterested, and even lead to stressful situations. Young children need less time for scheduled activities and more free play time.
Therefore, when considering whether point them or not to extracurricular activities We must evaluate the advantages and disadvantages, but above all we must take into account the wishes and needs of our children.
Have you already targeted your children to extracurricular activities? To which?
