School plays an important role in a child's life as it is essentially a preparatory stage before entering public life. Moreover, it helps in broadening a child’s outlook while instilling values such as perseverance, sincerity, truthfulness, tolerance, discipline, and obedience as well. However, today, there’s been a major paradigm shift in how children and parents alike perceive school life. The emphasis on giving it all and scoring good grades has completely overshadowed the need for another key element in a child’s overall growth – the need for extra-curricular activities. Unlike yesteryears where children used to find plenty of time to go outside and play, today, in the pursuit of academic excellence, extracurricular activities have been relegated to the backburner. Simply pursuing academics at the cost of missing out on extracurricular activities can result in your child missing out becoming a well-rounded individual.

Besides, not every childis inclined towards following academic choices; some kids, after all, do end up following a rather lucrative career in sports, fashion or other fields of arts or drama. Without question, in order to carve a successful career and a better life for themselves, there is a need for children to be accustomed to a smooth balance between studies and extracurricular activities. A balanced life bestows upon your child, various attributes, and skills which simply can't be learned from books or academics. So without further ado, here's a list of five top reasons on the significance of extracurricular activities, which we believe, you shouldn’t overlook in your child’s academic life.

Proves To Be A Great Stress Reliever

Many children equate school with pressure; Pressure to perform. Pressure to get things done on time amongst others. Simply put, the pace and the demands of achieving academic success in schools can prove to be overwhelming. Children naturally are a bundle of energy and when you encourage them to head outdoors and play, you will be able to see their boundless energy and enthusiasm at work.Additionally, they also get some much-needed breathing space from academics which can help relieve any built-up stress. This helps children return to their homework assignments with a refreshed mind and renewed vigour.

Improved Academic Performance

Believe it or not, when children are given a chance to pursue hobbies, they tend to achieve better academic results. Children are able to understand the importance of time management which, in turn, allows them to balance their academic pursuits with extracurricular activities far more efficiently. Moreover, these side pursuits allow them to reach their full potentialas they take part in school dramas, sport-days, art and craft activities or musical endeavors. These activities help expands their horizons which not only increases their interest in school but also assists in achieving the greater purpose of accomplishing better education.

Promotes Creativity and Imagination

When children are given a free rein at taking up extracurricular activities, they are automatically able to think more freely and approach the world in new inventive ways. This is also a time where they can experiment with new skills as taking up these activities encourage them to try out new things. Developing and honing new skills allows them to branch out and be adventurous. By indulging in extracurriculars, childrenare allowed to explore interests they’ve never encountered, exposing them to a more diverse range of interests.

It Gets Your Kids Moving

Being active and indulging inextracurricular activities involve more exercise as compared to sitting on the couch.As a matter of fact, staying physically active during these formative years can lead to your children having improved coordination and flexibility. It can get their blood pumpingwhile also creating a lifetime of fitness and health. Exercise is not only good for your children’shealthy growth and development but it also makes them more focused. Most importantly, physically active children tend to exhibit a better functioning immune system, better posture along with a healthier self which translates to fewer sick days.

Social Benefits

Going out or pursuing activities can boost mental health. Children who spend time balancing their academics with extra-curricular activities are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious. This, also, helps to improve their overall cognitive functioning along with mood improvements. Choosing enjoyable after-school and extracurricular activities can help your children socializeoutside and meet new people from different social groups. The group settingof these activities can, in turn, lead to the creation of a shared experience thus helping create new friendships.

The Bottom Line

A healthy balance of academics and extracurricular activities is paramount. Moreover, an imbalance not only results in poor performance in one area but can also lead to stress and anxiety in both facets of life. By prioritizing their interests coupled with the right help, guidance, and communication, children can benefit from indulging in extracurricular activitieswithout compromising on a quality academic experience.

AN Apr 19/18

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