What Are the Benefits of Co-curricular Activities for Your Child?
Participation in co-curricular activities is one of the most effective ways your child can support their growth, development and whole school experience. By encouraging your child to take part in co-curricular activities of their interest, you can foster their love for an activity/ies throughout their childhood and beyond. Whether they love playing a team sport, creating an artistic masterpiece or challenging their mind with a game of chess, all co-curricular pursuits will benefit your child’s growth holistically. Below, we have outlined three benefits from participating in co-curricular programmes.
1. Co-curricular activities support the whole child
A holistic approach to education means to provide support and guidance for the whole child, including their physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Co-curricular activities encourage holistic development by: keeping them physically and mentally active, supporting connection and friendships to others with similar interests; and allowing children to enjoy activities that they truly love. In doing so, children usually experience success, which can greatly improve a child’s self-esteem. Often this boost to their self-esteem can have a positive impact on academic performance.
2. Reduces stress and anxiety
In the 21st century, there is a marked increase in pressure and stress on children, whether academically, socially or emotionally. As parents, we need to be aware of the added anxiety and over-stress that children may be feeling and the increased number of children diagnosed with depression. Though there are many varying factors that contribute to this issue, co-curricular activities are a significant tool that we can use to curb feelings of stress and anxiety in our children and promote a positive, healthy mental state. They provide a healthy outlet for children to release any negative thoughts or feelings, and are a great way to teach children healthy and effective ways to regulate their own happiness and emotions.
3. They encourage commitment
Participation in co-curricular activities encourages children to make longer-term commitments to something and see it through. This is a vital life skill for children to learn. By instilling the valuable lessons of persistance, overcoming challenges, independence and being reliable, it will prepare your child not only for future employment, but also future relationships and friendships. Many children stay involved in the same activities throughout their schooling life, and others may branch out and discover new activities that they enjoy.
We encourage you to speak to your child about what activities they might like to try and support them in commiting to something. To learn more about co-curricular offerings at Kingsway, explore our Co-curricular page