Have you ever felt like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done? As a parent, it can be challenging to balance your child’s academic obligations with their extracurricular activities. While academics are important, it’s also important for children to have a healthy balance of non-academic activities to help them develop their skills, interests, and personalities. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how you can strike a balance between academics and non-academic activities for your child.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that academic success is the only path to success in life. However, research shows that extracurricular activities can have a significant impact on a child’s overall development. According to a study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, participation in extracurricular activities is associated with a higher sense of competence, better social skills, and fewer behavioral problems among children and adolescents.
As a parent, it’s important to encourage your child to pursue their passions and interests outside of the classroom. However, it’s also important to ensure that they don’t become overwhelmed or burnt out from too many activities. With the right balance, your child can thrive academically and personally, and develop into a well-rounded individual. So, let’s dive into some tips to help you achieve that balance of academic with non academic activities.
1. Setting priorities
Setting priorities is a crucial life skill that children need to learn early on in their lives. Encouraging children to prioritize their academic and non-academic activities can help them become more efficient and effective in managing their time. It also helps them develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline that they can carry into adulthood.
One way to help children set priorities is to encourage them to make a list of all the things they want or need to do. This list can include academic tasks such as homework and studying, as well as non-academic activities such as sports, music lessons, and social events. Once they have a list, you can work with them to prioritize each activity based on its importance and urgency.
For example, if your child has a big exam coming up, it may be necessary to prioritize studying for the exam over other activities. On the other hand, if there is an important soccer game coming up, they may need to prioritize practicing and attending the game over studying.
Research has shown that teaching children how to set priorities can have a positive impact on their academic performance. In a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, researchers found that students who set goals and priorities were more successful in achieving their academic goals compared to those who did not.
Teaching children to set priorities can also help them develop important life skills such as time management, organization, and decision-making. These skills can be applied to various aspects of their lives, including academics, work, and personal relationships.
2. Don’t give in to popular culture
It’s important for parents to be mindful of the popular culture and its influence on their child’s interests and activities. While it’s great for children to explore different activities and hobbies, parents should encourage them to find their own passions and interests, rather than following the latest trend or fad.
Children are often exposed to various forms of media such as movies, TV shows, social media, and video games that can shape their preferences and behaviors. While it’s perfectly normal for children to explore different activities and hobbies, parents need to help them differentiate between what they really enjoy and what they’re merely doing because it’s popular.
For instance, if your child is interested in music, you can introduce them to various genres and instruments to help them find their own unique style. You can also encourage them to attend concerts or music classes to further develop their skills. By allowing your child to explore different activities, you can help them find their passion and avoid being swayed by popular trends.
Recommended reading: Are We Chasing Unhappiness As Parents?
Recommended reading: Tips to Pursue a Hobby When You Are a Busy Mom
3. Don’t give in to peer pressure
Peer pressure is a common phenomenon that children and teenagers experience in their daily lives, especially in school or social settings. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 60% of teenagers feel pressured to fit in with their peers, while 28% say that they have given in to peer pressure to participate in activities that they weren’t interested in.
As a parent, it’s essential to help your child build a strong sense of identity and self-confidence so that they can resist the urge to give in to peer pressure. Encourage them to focus on their interests and passions when selecting extracurricular activities, rather than following the crowd. For example, if your child is interested in music, encourage them to join a music club or band, rather than feeling pressured to join a sports team just because their friends are on it.
It’s also important to have open and honest communication with your child about peer pressure and the consequences of giving in. Talk to them about the importance of making their own decisions and standing up for what they believe in, even if it means going against the norm.
Research has shown that children who have a strong sense of identity and self-confidence are less likely to give in to peer pressure. Encouraging your child to pursue their own interests and passions can help them develop this sense of self, as well as the confidence to stand up for themselves and their beliefs.
Recommended reading: Don’t Compare Your Kids
4. Don’t enroll in too many extracurricular activities
While extracurricular activities can be beneficial for children, it’s important not to overdo it.
Participating in extracurricular activities can have numerous benefits for children, from developing new skills to building self-confidence and social connections. However, it’s important for parents to recognize the importance of balance when it comes to their child’s schedule. Research shows that too many extracurricular activities can have negative effects on a child’s well-being and academic performance.
According to a study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, participating in multiple extracurricular activities can lead to increased stress, fatigue, and academic pressure. The study also found that students who participated in a moderate number of activities (one to two per week) had higher levels of academic engagement and were less likely to experience burnout.
As a parent, it’s important to help your child prioritize their activities and choose ones that align with their interests and passions. Encourage them to focus on quality over quantity and to avoid signing up for activities just because their friends are doing them or because they feel pressure to do so.
For example, if your child is interested in music, encourage them to choose one or two activities related to music, such as joining a band or taking piano lessons. This way, they can focus their time and energy on developing their skills and interests while still maintaining a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
Recommended reading: Is Your Child Getting Enough Play Time?
Recommended reading: What Is a Good Age To Start Music Lessons?
5. Create a schedule
Creating a schedule is a great way to help children balance their academic and non-academic activities. It allows them to plan their time effectively and ensures they have enough time for both types of activities. As parents, you can help your child create a schedule by sitting down with them and discussing their priorities. Encourage them to prioritize their academic work and ensure they have enough time to complete assignments and study for exams.
It’s also important to schedule in non-academic activities that your child enjoys, such as sports, music lessons, or social events with friends. By doing so, you can help them to maintain a healthy balance between work and play, which can ultimately lead to better academic performance and overall well-being.
Research shows that children who engage in extracurricular activities tend to perform better academically. A study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students who participated in extracurricular activities had higher grade point averages, better attendance records, and were less likely to drop out of school.
However, it’s important not to overload your child with too many activities. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that high school students who participated in too many extracurricular activities experienced higher levels of stress and lower levels of academic achievement.
Therefore, when creating a schedule, encourage your child to choose a reasonable number of extracurricular activities that align with their interests and abilities. This way, they can balance their time effectively and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
6. Limit screen time
Limiting screen time has become a crucial factor in balancing academic and non-academic activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2-5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, while children aged 6 and above should have consistent limits on the amount of time spent on screens. Excessive screen time has been linked to poor academic performance, obesity, and behavioral issues.
Instead of spending all their free time on screens, children can participate in various non-academic activities like sports, arts, and volunteering. For instance, joining a sports team can improve their physical fitness and social skills. Art classes can help develop their creativity, and volunteering can build their sense of empathy and community involvement.
Moreover, spending too much time on screens can have adverse effects on a child’s mental health. A study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, found that teenagers who spend more time on social media and screens are more likely to report mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Encouraging children to engage in non-screen related activities can provide a healthy balance and reduce the risk of such issues.
Overall, it is essential for parents to encourage their children to limit their screen time and participate in various non-academic activities to ensure a well-rounded childhood.
Recommended reading: “Mumma, Keep Your Phone Away”
Recommended reading: Is Your Child Spending Too Much Time On Smartphone
7. Encourage physical activity
Encouraging physical activity in children is essential for their overall well-being, and it can have a significant impact on their academic performance. Research has shown that regular exercise can improve cognitive function and memory, leading to better academic outcomes.
According to a study published in the Journal of School Health, students who participated in regular physical activity had better academic performance, attendance, and classroom behavior compared to those who did not. The study found that physical activity helped to improve attention, memory, and academic achievement in children.
Parents can encourage physical activity by enrolling their children in sports teams, dance classes, or even taking family walks or bike rides. Engaging in physical activity can also help children to develop important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Furthermore, physical activity can have a positive impact on a child’s mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Encouraging children to participate in physical activity can also help to reduce stress levels, leading to improved overall well-being.
In addition to traditional forms of exercise, parents can encourage their children to take part in activities like gardening, hiking, or even household chores that require physical exertion. Any activity that gets children moving and engaged in physical activity can have a positive impact on their academic and personal lives.
Conclusion: Balance Academic with Non Academic Activities
In conclusion, balancing academic and non-academic activities is crucial for children to have a well-rounded childhood. As parents, we must prioritize our child’s mental and physical health and encourage them to pursue their passions and interests. Setting priorities, limiting screen time, not giving in to popular culture and peer pressure, choosing co-curricular activities wisely, creating a schedule, and encouraging physical activity are all excellent strategies for achieving this balance. By implementing these tips, we can help our children achieve academic success while also enjoying a happy, healthy childhood. It may take some time and effort, but the results will be well worth it. Let’s prioritize our children’s well-being and help them achieve their full potential!
