Choosing Extracurriculars
An important, but often overlooked, part of the school experience is choosing extracurricular activities.
This means more than soccer or baseball. Extracurricular activities also include clubs, such as those focused on robotics or debate; religious activities; part-time jobs; volunteering and more. Here are some important things to consider when picking extracurricular activities.
PICK SOMETHING ENJOYABLE AND THAT YOU CARE ABOUT
In today’s overloaded lives, any time outside of school is precious. Fill it with enjoyable activities that can also further your experience and education in ways that school can’t. If the activity ticks both of those boxes, you may soon find yourself in a leadership position.
PICK SOMETHING CHALLENGING
Growth is important, and it’s hard to get growth without challenges. You’re bound to learn something about yourself as well as a new topic. Plus, it looks great on college applications.
PICK SOMETHING USEFUL TO YOU OR OTHERS
A job can be useful to you because you can contribute to your family or save for college or another goal you set. Or you can learn a lifelong skill. Something useful to others usually include a service element. Remember, not every student gets the chance to participate in extracurricular activities. Use your privilege to give back.
WITH YOUNGER CHILDREN
For parents of younger children, remember not to overload them or you. Look at their interests, strengths and weaknesses — and your schedules — before choosing activities. Don’t push your kids too hard or let them push themselves into overdoing it. Parents, realize when you’re making them do the activity for you and not for them. That can cause a dangerous level of burnout that may keep your children from enjoying extracurricular activities in the future. First and foremost, they’re kids, and they need plenty of time for play, without schedules or expectations.
Extracurricular activities are important, but equally as important is to know when to walk away.
If an activity becomes too much for either parent or child, or if the student just plain loses interest, it’s important to let that happen without penalty. There’s plenty of activities in the sea.