5 Benefits of
After-School Activities
TEXT CHRISTINA KATZ
D o you ever wonder if you may be taking the
whole over-scheduling taboo too seriously? For
years, parents have been hearing that kids have
too many activities, too much homework, too-
heavy backpacks, too much screen time, too much sugar…
and on and on.

This is where after-school activities come in, preferably
with dedicated, motivating coaches and instructors leading
the way. Physical activities increase coordination, inspire
discipline and provide energy outlets for restless kids. So, let
another trusted adult be in charge for a change, and enjoy
your down time while your kids get more fit.

Personally, I find most parents are intelligent, conscientious
and trying to find a healthy middle ground for everyone
in the family. They want their kids to have just the right
amount of after-school activities. The vast majority seem
committed to helping their kids become happier, healthier,
more well-rounded citizens without pushing them into
activity overload.

Lights Who Shine. As much as we would like our
kids to carry on our values and ideals, it’s really up to them
to communicate who they are and what they believe. And
while we may like to think that our children are born whole
and complete, the truth is kids often discover what they are
made of after they become immersed in activities that stretch
and challenge them. Engaging kids in activities where they
feel fully immersed in the experience and are responsible for
their own mastery helps them discover what makes them
tick. When it comes to finding an activity for your child,
look for outlets that challenge them while providing gradual
instruction and skill development.

Why not focus on what kids stand to gain from after-school
activities instead? I contacted a half-dozen after-school
activity pros, and here are some of the many benefits.

Fit, Confident Kids. As Elle Woods reminds us in
the film Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins.

Endorphins make you happy.” But, motivating kids to get
off the couch is not always easy for parents. Your kids are
not typically looking to you to motivate them to run some
wind-sprints or do a series of gut crunches. They need
someone else to step in and motivate them to get moving.

10 April 2015 washingtonFAMILY.com
10 August 2015 washingtonFAMILY.com
Part of Something Greater. After-school activities
offer kids outlets for expressing their energy within a safe
learning context. Feeling part of a group with a purpose is
a beautiful thing, so make sure the space where your child
spends time is safe, fun and growth-centric. Often, kids
become as attached to a center, a studio, or a routine as