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



much as they do to a group of peers. When kids go off to
their activities, they should feel like they are going to one of
their favorite places – to their home away from home. If this
is not the case for your child, then you might want to check
out other possibilities.

Memorably Connected. If there is one thing
all after-school activity professionals agree on, it’s
the importance of making memories via meaningful
connections. Engaged, smiling, busy children are typically
happy children. Whether your child’s activity happens
in a place rife with variety or in a more specialized space,
your child is sure to grow over time, make memories and
understand herself better with regular participation in after-
school activities. Why not let your kids have the continuity
of years of ongoing participation. It’s hard to advance up
the activity ranks if you dabble in one activity and then
another. Give your child a few years in elementary school
to try different activities, then see if they want to commit to
an activity or two during middle school. They can always
switch to different activities once they get to high school, if
they wish.

addresses specific needs like standardized test preparation
or responding to learning gaps. Other kids simply need help
becoming more satisfied students. Tutoring can definitely
increase not just aptitude but also enthusiasm. And just
as parents don’t always make the best coaches, we also
don’t always make the best tutors, either. Besides, kids
often progress faster and more willingly when they work
with mentors they don’t already know. Raising academic
confidence by teaching learning skills in one subject can pay
off in increased academic confidence across the board. So if
your child is struggling with critical reading, vocabulary or
math skills, why not try a local tutoring service? Your child
has nothing to lose and much to gain.

Pleas e
Imme Proof
diate 703-318-5509
ly!
Kids need to feel successful today to become successful
tomorrow, and activities can help them experience positive
growth gradually. If you don’t channel your child’s energy,
playing video games, TV watching, and other sedentary
activities will always be a temptation. If you want engaged,
involved, smiling kids, find them some activities they enjoy.

You will be so glad you did.

Christina Katz is a journalist and author grateful for the opportunities she had to
Aptitude-rich. Some students need extra help to
keep up academically, so don’t panic if your child turns
out to be one of them. Your child may need extra help that
contribute to the school literary journal and newspaper. She also worked off some of
her teenage angst on the soccer field, on the softball diamond and in the school pool.

Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself.

Come see why we’re the global leader in classes for kids.

gymboreeclasses.com gymboreeclasses.com
49 $ day
Enroll Celebrate
of FREE Preview
Gymboree Play & Music Locations
Gymboree Play & Music
the ALEXANDRIA
318 S. Pickett St. • 703-836-2277
First Month *
Grand Take Opening of
BURKE And a free
BURKE/SPRINGFIELD $25 newest
our class
on OFF
us! * location
6045 Burke 6045
Center Pkwy Center
• 703-836-2277
Burke Pkwy, #204
** New Families
in Enrollment
Burke with TWO
CHANTILLY VA 22015
great offers! 14155 Sully Burke,
Field, Cir. Suite I • 703-836-2277
(703) 836-2277
Only Gift Certificates
$ Available
49 Offer expires 8.31.15. New families only. Start classes anytime, space permitting
in class. Not redeemable for cash or credit. Cannot be combined with any other
discount. Gymboree Play& Music reserves the right to change or cancel this
promotion at any time.

First Month *
& No New
Member gymboreeclasses.com
*Offer valid for new families only at participating Gymboree Play &
Music locations
only. Existing Play & Music customers are not eligible.

$49 first month plus no new member fee expires 4/30/2011. Offer is
not redeemable for cash or credit. Gymboree Play & Music may
washingtonFAMILY.com August 2015 11