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.

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