PROS of Co-Curriculars

Explore Interests and Boost Self-Esteem

helps explore physical, creative, social, political and career interests and talents without grades to deter you from what you're passionate about.

You may even discover a new interest or a talent that you never knew you had, which can boost your self-esteem.

Build Relationships and Develop Social Skills

a great way to meet new people and make friends, especially when you're starting at a new school.

the opportunity to meet and spend time with people from different backgrounds and to develop your social skills by interacting and working with your peers.

Grow as a Person and Develop Work Skills

as you learn to consider what you can do for others, rather than what others can do for you, which is an important concept to understand when applying to colleges and for jobs.

the value of making a long-term commitment.

develop time management skills and learn how to multitask and prioritize.

Boost College Application and Job Resume

Colleges don't just look at academic achievements but also at involvement outside of the classroom in their selection process.

demonstrate your interests, responsibility and your ability to contribute, maintain commitments and manage your time and priorities.

gives your job resume a boost and helps you gain the skills and experiences you need to land a job in your desired field after graduation.

Gain More Scholarship Opportunities

scholarship programs consider both academics and extracurricular involvement in their selection process.

Extracurriculars are also helpful for writing essays that demonstrate your interest in a particular field, which many scholarship programs require in the application process.

CONS of Co-Curriculars

Pressure

pressure to not only succeed in the activity, but manage and balance his schedule.

It can lead a child to become anxious, distracted and/or emotional, behaviors that can affect other areas of his life.

some extracurricular activities require a financial commitment that can put pressure on the family budget.

Schoolwork Demands Athletic activities and performance clubs

(e.g., drama, marching band) are examples of activities that require students to devote a significant amount of time to practicing a craft and preparing for performance.

time these activities takes up reduces the amount of time a student has to devote to his academic work, something that can be especially problematic for a student who's already struggling in his studies.

Overscheduling

Too much structure infringes on a child's ability to simply be, organically find creative ways to spend his time or meet new friends.

can also affect the entire family by making it difficult for it to spend time together.

Co-Curriculars

Tips

Helping the child find balance while participating in extracurricular activities is an excellent way to help him reap their benefits while minimizing the harmful effects.

expand his horizons by introducing him to new people, new ideas, a strong work ethic and the ability to discover his interests.

Extracurricular activities also bode well on a student's application to college.