By Linda Ligon, Family &
Tchoosing ACTIVITIES
he Chattahoochee Valley area offers many opportunities for after-school activities. Here are some tips on finding the right ones for your child.
Prioritize your child’s commit-
ments. If your child needs to attend after-school care, do some research to find which one best fits your child’s needs. The safety of the facility and quality of the program is a top concern and should be considered first. An appropriate level of supervision should always be in place and you should validate the credentials of program staff. Next, make sure the program offered fits your child’s interests. Locally available private after-school care includes the Boys and Girls Club, Momentum After Care, the YMCA After Care and programs offered by Columbus Parks & Rec. If you are seeking a fun activity that will enhance your child’s STEAM skills, search for a STEAM after-school enrichment program such as Steam Inventors After-School Program. Your child’s school may also offer an after-school enrichment program.
Once you have the activities your child must attend, such as after-school care, on her calendar, you will be able to tell how much time your child will have free to pursue her interests. Avoid overscheduling your child, as it can lead to stress and take away opportunities for unstructured play. Studies show that free time for unstructured play is crucial to a child’s development. Also, if your child finds an activity she enjoys, such as dance or karate, it is likely she will need to devote an increasing amount of time to it as she advances in skill. Trying to select an activity for a young child may involve some trial and error. Avoid overscheduling your child with structured activities.
If your child has not yet learned to swim, put a high priority on signing your child up for swim
lessons. This a crucial life skill and is not just needed during the summer time. Check the swim lesson schedule at your local YMCA or at Columbus Swim and Scuba.
Watch your young child and see what she seems to enjoy the most. Is your child excited about sports and want you to play catch with her or does she love to sing and pretend she is performing in a concert?
Is your child’s personality a better match for team sports or for an individual activity such as martial arts or gymnastics? Even if your child has no interest in team sports, there are many opportunities for individual activities in the Chattahoochee Valley that promote physical fitness. Martial arts can promote physical fitness, confidence and discipline. Check the class schedule at East West Martial Arts or Momentum Martial Arts.
Does your child have an interest or talent in the arts? Find a program with some free play time for art so your budding artist can develop her creativity. Your child could try a class at the Columbus Museum or International Friendship Ministries. The Chattahoochee Valley has many opportunities for kids interested in dance. A dance class can help with physical fitness, motor skills and teach discipline. Local dance studios include Academy Dance, Performance Dance and Prodigy Dance. Kids interested in music can take lessons at Music Together or International Friendship Ministries.
Before signing your child up for an activity such as a team sport, explain to her that she is making a commitment and she will owe it to the team to finish the season even if she decides she does not like the sport. For individual activities, observe your child to see if she is enjoying it and it is a good fit.
Extra - Curricular ACTIVITY GUIDE
Extra - Curricular ACTIVITY GUIDE
Extra - Curricular ACTIVITY GUIDE
Extra - Curricular ACTIVITY GUIDE
Extra - Curricular ACTIVITY GUIDE
HOO’s PICKS
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More Than Kicks: The Life Skills Kids Learn in Martial Arts
Martial arts aren’t just about learning how to block, kick, or earn a black belt—it’s a fun, full-body activity that helps kids grow in ways that might surprise you.
For starters, all that jumping, balancing, and practicing combinations helps build motor skills and coordination. Kids develop body awareness, balance, and control, which supports their physical development as they grow. These skills also carry over into other activities, from sports to everyday play. But martial arts also teaches some serious life skills. Respect, self-discipline, and focus are part of every class. Kids learn how to follow instructions, stay calm under pressure, and keep trying even when something feels tough. This kind of structured physical activity is proven to improve attention and reasoning skills, both in and out of the classroom.
One of the most powerful lessons in martial arts is the value of setting and achieving goals. Whether it’s working toward the next belt rank or mastering a new technique, kids discover
that success comes from consistent effort and persistence. That builds real confidence—and confidence leads to stronger decision-making and higher self-esteem.
The benefits often extend beyond the dojo. Many parents notice improvements at school, from better focus to more responsible behavior, and even academic growth.
And perhaps most important of all, martial arts help kids develop respect—for themselves, their instructors, and their peers. They learn to listen, cooperate, and support one another. It’s about building character just as much as building strength.
At East West Martial Arts, we offer programs for ages 5 and up, with engaging classes that blend fitness, self-defense, and life skills. For adults, we also have a dynamic Kali program that builds skill, agility, and confidence. Whether your goal is to help your child grow or to challenge yourself, there’s a place for you here.
Ready to get started? Join us for a trial class and see the difference martial arts can make. Call or Text 706-770-1155, email ewfma@ outlook.com, or visit EastWestFamilyMartialArts.com to learn more and take your first step today.
RESOURCES: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659987/
