Most parents would probably agree that their primary goal is to raise well-rounded children as ready for adulthood as possible.
Getting kids into extracurriculars is a huge plus for their emotional, intellectual and personal development. Not only do they look good on college applications, but they also teach necessary life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and organization.
All this to say, which extracurricular to steer your child towards is naturally a pretty big dilemma.
But what if none of the obvious solutions, like sports or band, are a good fit for your child? You check out some of these less common extracurriculars, of course. Below are activities that give your child a unique experience that will leave them confident in their abilities and individuality.
1. Golfing
No longer is golf a sport just for country club-goers.
Once almost exclusively for adults, it’s now becoming increasingly popular with children. Many high schools, and even middle schools, are adopting golf as part of their athletic programs for boys and girls.
If your child isn’t a fan of the more aggressive team sports, like football or hockey, but still enjoys a team atmosphere and athletic environment, then golf might be the right choice. It is especially true if you want them to work on their hand-eye coordination and develop a life-long healthy habit.
Pro Tip: Investing in golf Stitch gear will give your child a leg-up on the course.
That’s right — you read that correctly. The same activity that parents have spent decades trying to keep their kids away from is now might be an excellent option for extracurricular development.
2. Video Games
The fact is that, with the changing landscape of jobs out there, technological expertise and computer literacy are enormously desirable skill sets. Coding knowledge is even more of a plus.
Still, just sitting around playing video or computer games isn’t enough to constitute a beneficial extracurricular activity.
Instead, parents should encourage their kids to explore the creative avenues behind gaming, like design, dialogue writing, and game reviewing. Also, sign them up for gaming “esports” to help encourage their tech interests while situating them in a community of other kids their age.
3. Cooking or Sewing
“Home economics” might have an old-fashioned ring to it, bringing to mind deeply gendered classrooms full of young girls hearing they have limited futures as housewives.
However, it might be time to revitalize “home economics” and start rethinking the activities involved as valuable skills for an up-and-coming generation of kids.
Sewing and cooking are practical skills for anyone — regardless of gender — and they are also highly creative. Plus, skills that involve working creatively with one’s hands can lead to increased confidence and anxiety reduction.
Nowadays, there are so many outlets for children to pick up gourmet, international cooking knowledge and master craft with other kids their own age. If your child aspires to become the next baking champion or fashion designer, look for a local club or summer camp focused on these skills.
Conclusion
The sky’s the limit when it comes to extracurricular activities these days. Children no longer have to try their hand at the traditionally valued sports and skills.
Instead, there’s now an increased focus on fostering your child’s individual interests and sense of creativity, which will continue to benefit them throughout their lives.
If something excites them, then there’s probably a way to make it a valuable and productive activity for any age.
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