5 benefits of kids after school activities

Having gone through a pandemic, we quickly realised how important it is for our children to experience time away from home socialising and having fun with other kids. Leisure activities – after school activities – are like the hobbies we adults love to enjoy, and attempt to make time for. We recommend you read more about how to choose your kids after school activities. Here are the five main benefits:

Creates Community

Children, like adults, need community. Community comes in many forms; it starts at home and extends outwards. One of the ways community can be built is through a sports club. Joining a team builds a healthy sense of belonging where kids can express their passion and feel a bonding with likeminded kids who share in the same passion. Connectedness naturally occurs in a team of kids trying to achieve the same goal.

Encourages social and emotional progress

In after school activities, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to socialize with new people in a safe and supportive environment. Conflict resolution is par for the course when it comes to competitions and joining a team of kids with different personalities. It is normal and expected to go through winning, losing, injuries, and many other circumstances that provide perfect opportunities for emotional intelligence to grow. Where better to be exposed to these life skills than on the field with mentors to guide you through the journey?

Promotes a passion for learning

There are many kinds of intelligences. At IQ Football we believe in following the theory proposed by Howard Gardner that there are multiple intelligences; academic achievement is not the only one. By exposing children to after school activities they can realise their talent away from the typical subjects provided in a school environment. They can express themselves more freely and without so much pressure. After school activities should be focused on fun and enjoyment! The right after school activity will promote a growth mindset and not a fixed mindset. Children can begin to see the benefits of guided practice and how determination and consistency can improve results. Learning becomes enjoyable!

Encourages healthy habits

Kids who are active are more likely to become active and healthy adults. Quality after school programs play an essential role in a modern child’s life. Screens are at their highest use in history and are causing a lot of knock-on effects to child development. If you know me, you know I’m a strong advocate for outside play, or (actually) any play away from the television.

After school activities are an intentional, focused time where children can be children, playing, creating, adventuring, practicing, developing, growing, jumping, kicking, having fun! Back in the day, this was natural and very easy to achieve. Now, we must be intentional about giving our kids the best possible childhood outdoors! There are so many other healthy habits that are formed in after school activities, like self-discipline, perseverance, focus, resilience, and a myriad of other excellent traits that can become habits.

Boosts confidence

I have watched hundreds of kids grow from insecure to confident because of football training. The importance of confidence cannot be highlighted more. It is vital to a child’s life. The right environment in after school activities can progressively boost a child and place them on an upward trajectory for the rest of their school career.

In closing

Finding an after school activity for your child is a wonderful gift to them. It is an investment that will provide so many benefits, we’ve only mentioned five! Check out the services that IQ Football provides to see if they’re the right fit for your child and get in touch with sean@iqfootballsa.co.za if you have any questions.