Schools play a significant role in moulding children into knowledgeable individuals who will be the leaders of the next generation. When classes end and children are home, the parents return to being their mentors for the future. Ensuring they are productive after school is an important part of that mentorship. Balancing relaxation and productivity through fun and engaging after-school activities is effective in shaping values, enhancing discipline, developing new life skills, and fostering growth. Here are some of the best ways to help your child utilise their after-school hours wisely.
1. Complete Homework and Review Lessons
Postponing tasks and homework for a later date often leads to procrastination and rushed work. Creating a routine that sets aside a specific time to complete homework and revise schoolwork allows students to produce quality work and reinforce what they learnt. As a result, their academic performance will improve, and they will become responsible individuals. Parents should encourage children to create a routine or checklist or use times to track tasks to prevent disorganisation.
2. Engage in Outdoor Play
Children should be encouraged to play outdoors, which has several benefits, including reduced screen time and improved mood and concentration. Engaging in sports like soccer, baseball, or basketball supports their physical and mental health. These also help enhance teamwork and improve coordination. Even running around can be a good way to boost their fitness.
3. Read Books
Encouraging children to read fun, exciting books that align with their interests is a good way to improve their vocabulary. Reading more, whether a comic or a scientific research book, boosts their creativity and enhances their academic performance. They will become knowledgeable and develop critical thinking skills that will help them significantly in the future. Shaping them into book lovers can also lead to them having new interests and learning new languages.
4. Explore Creative Activities
Encouraging children to engage in creative activities such as painting, dancing, or even cooking can help them to develop new skills. These hobbies will allow them to express themselves in creative ways. When learning and mastering these hobbies, they will understand the importance of patience and boost their confidence. When they explore their unique talents and find the hobbies they like, these hobbies will also be stress relievers.
5. Take Part in Household Chores
When children have chores that they need to complete, they learn responsibility. They understand the importance of being a team player at home, which helps to shape their values. Assigning chores is also a good way to teach them organisation and time management skills, which are crucial skills for surviving on their own.
6. Spend Quality Time with Family
Family time is important in every household. It leads to stronger bonds, less stress, emotional and mental support, and discussions that offer solutions to problems. Encouraging children to spend quality time with family helps them to feel safe, supported, and loved at home. You can play games, share stories, or try activities that encourage them to be empathetic and respectful. This will also improve their communication skills. Children with strong family bonds share their concerns more freely, allowing parents and relatives to help them in distressing times.
7. Participate in Community Service
Teaching children how to be good team players in communities will help them to be caring individuals. They can help to plant trees, offer their support at shelters, or help to clean up the neighbourhood. This will teach them empathy and social responsibility. They will connect with society as they learn how everyone plays a crucial role in society. Participating in society also moulds them into decent individuals who understand the importance of giving back.