10 benefits of extracurricular activities for your kids

As parents, we all want what's best for our kids, and extracurricular activities are a fantastic way for them to explore their interests beyond the classroom. Clubs, groups, and sports can help kids learn how to socialize and develop skills that make them well-rounded later on in life. 

Curious about how after-school activities can help your kids grow? Here are 10 benefits of extracurricular activities for your kids.

1. Widens their social circle

Extracurriculars are a perfect way to make new friends! When kids join a team or group they're excited about, they get to meet others who share similar interests. This makes networking and practicing social skills much easier. Depending on the activity, they might even meet kids from other schools, expanding their social network within the community. 

These friendships can provide encouragement and a support system through their formative years and beyond. 

2. Boosts their self-esteem 

While sports often keep kids physically healthy, the benefits of extracurricular activities on mental health are equally valuable. When they nail a new skill — whether it's scoring a goal in soccer or creating a masterpiece in art — there's a sense of accomplishment that's hard to match. Over time, those small victories can greatly boost their self-esteem.

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Plus, overcoming challenges teaches kids how to deal with defeat. These experiences prepare them to face setbacks head-on. Life is full of wins and losses, but when kids fall and get back up, they learn that failure is just a stepping stone to future success. 

3. Improves their academic performance 

Think activities distract kids from their schoolwork? Data actually shows that there are several academic benefits to extracurricular activities for students. Kids who participate in extracurriculars often have higher GPAs, greater attendance, and a stronger desire to graduate from college.

When kids join clubs, sports, and other after-school activities, they learn the importance of discipline and follow-through. These groups can also create a sense of belonging with their peers, which can boost their confidence in school. 

4. Allows them to explore their personal interests and passions

Trying out a variety of activities opens up a world of possibilities for kids. Whether it's building robots, volunteering at a local hospital, or acting in the school play, extracurriculars allow kids to explore their interests beyond the classroom. 

These activities are not only fun and engaging but may also help kids and teens learn more about potential career paths. By trying out various clubs and programs, they gain hands-on experience that can uncover new passions or deepen existing ones. With so many groups to explore, extracurriculars give kids the opportunity to find out what excites them.

5. Helps them develop their skills 

Extracurricular participation helps develop life skills for teens in a way that might not be possible in a classroom setting. They can learn how to communicate and work with different personalities, demonstrate good sportsmanship while competing, or even organize events on their own. 

By encouraging your kids and teens to try out a wide range of activities, you're helping them grow into well-rounded adults. They'll develop important skills to handle whatever life throws their way. 

6. Increases their college admission prospects

How people spend their free time says a lot about who they are. That's why many extracurriculars look good on college applications. Here are some things that colleges may look for:

• Volunteering: shows a commitment to helping others

• Playing a sport: demonstrates teachability and a willingness to work with a team

• Working a job as a student: reveals time management skills and discipline

• Serving in student government: displays communication skills and an interest in leadership activities

When kids belong to various groups or teams, it shows colleges that they have a rich background, helping to set them apart from others.

7. Encourages community involvement 

Extracurricular groups often involve some sort of community service or engagement. Encouraging your kids to volunteer in community kitchens or assisted living communities can make them more empathetic and expand their worldview. Likewise, joining a sports team with kids from other schools exposes them to new friendships and different backgrounds. 

When kids join in on community-focused extracurriculars, they realize the world is much bigger than they thought.

8. Builds teamwork

Any activity that involves working with others teaches kids the value of teamwork. Sports and other competitive groups are especially good at showing that one person can't achieve everything on their own. Relying on their peers makes kids more adaptable, serving them well in school, their careers, and life.

As an added bonus, teamwork in their extracurriculars can improve their relationships with their parents and siblings! As kids learn to communicate better and work together, it can lead to a more positive environment at home.

9. Enhances their learning opportunities

Extracurriculars aren't only good for teaching new skills; they also reinforce the education kids get from school. For instance, a student who learns about animal and plant classifications in science class may be able to use that knowledge in a nature club — or a student who loves learning may be able to use their education from the classroom to win a competition for the local debate team.

By bringing classroom knowledge into the real world, extracurriculars can help make learning more engaging and show kids that their education is valuable.

10. Improves their time management

One of the benefits of doing extracurricular activities is that kids will learn how to manage their time on their own. Balancing schoolwork with extracurricular commitments teaches them the importance of prioritization and organization. 

As they learn to balance all of the different activities in their lives, kids can develop a sense of accountability and discipline — skills that are valuable for success later in life.

Discover the best resources to support your kids' development

Are you looking for more ways to help set your kids up for success? Understanding the benefits of being involved in extracurricular activities is just the beginning. For more resources on kids, money, and parenting, check out our Learning Center today.