development
How aftercare
can assist with a child’s development When one thinks of the prevalence of single parents or two-income households, it’s not always possible for a parent to fetch the children after school. For many, aftercare is not a nice to have it has become a must-have. By Jonathan Hoffenberg, PACES Manager (Parent and Community Empowerment and Support Programme) for the Parent Centre
T
here is a wide range of benefits to kids participating in aftercare. It can create a sense of belonging in young children and help them to learn healthy social skills, which play a pivotal part in building their selfesteem. All while in a safe and nurturing environment. And depending on the type of afterschool care a parent selects for their child, whether it’s the aftercare provided by the
32
school or an outside-based after-school programme, they can tailor the benefits according to what their child needs. For example, sports activities are great for both physical and social development. Arts and cultural activities foster creativity and self-expression, while more academicbased after-school programs can be the building blocks to educational success, especially if it specialises in an area in which a child needs further guidance.
www.babysandbeyond.co.za