Malia Jacobson
Join the Club: Choosing Extracurriculars Want to raise a kid who excels
at school and beyond? Then think outside the classroom. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, extracurricular activities are linked to better grades and school attendance, and kids who participate are more likely to go to college than those who don’t. The time required for extracurricular activities varies — anything from an hour per week for an afterschool club to 10–12 hours per week for a sport — but the payoff can be an increasingly mature, responsible child who learns to manage time wisely. Tamara Jones, parent of a middle-school student, says her daughter started taking more responsibility for her own health, from sleep to nutrition, after participating in two sports last year. “We saw a lot of growth in personal responsibility that year,” Jones says. “She realized she had to get to bed at a certain time to have enough energy to do the things she wanted to do.” Whether your child leans toward sports, music, art or STEM-related pursuits, asking the right questions of leaders or coaches helps prepare for a smooth experience.
Questions to Ask • What credentials or background do coaches or leaders have? • For sports, what is the concussion protocol? • What weekly time commitment can we expect? • Are there summer or offseason expectations for participants? • Are kids grouped by age, grade or skill level? • Are there any prerequisites to join? • Are there fees or costs for equipment, uniforms or other items? • Do coaches or leaders communicate with parents? If so, how and how often? • What are the most common complaints and praises from participants and parents? • How are conflicts resolved between participants? • Does the program need parent volunteers? • How can parents connect with other parents of program participants (for questions or information about carpools, etc.)?
Allow kids to help choose extracurricular activities. They’ll be more invested if they are part of the decision-making process. And remember that no decision is permanent. If a club isn’t a good fit, families can begin their search anew, armed with newfound knowledge about their child’s needs. v Malia Jacobson is a family journalist.
22 • SanDiegofamily.com • February 2019