Debate on Essentiality of Children's Activities: Insights from a Therapist, Coach, and Educator
In a recent conversation within a mom group text, the topic of discussion revolved around the question of whether a child should engage in additional activities beyond gym class and Taekwondo. The mother expressed concern about the child's schedule, hesitating before replying to the group text.
The discussion involved insights from a therapist, a tennis coach, and an early education curriculum specialist, all of whom emphasised the benefits of extracurricular activities for children. These activities, such as sports, arts, or clubs, contribute positively to a child's holistic development, including mental health, social skills, and academic engagement [1][3][5].
Extracurricular involvement is linked to better mental health, higher school engagement, and improved life skills such as responsibility and stress management [3][5]. Moreover, activities like sports and arts help children learn teamwork, collaboration, conflict resolution, and communication with diverse peers, while also building networks and a sense of belonging, which is essential for mental well-being [1][3][5].
However, the experts also highlighted the importance of free play and unstructured outdoor time for children. Such play allows children to explore nature, manage their own activities, and develop independence and joy at their own pace [2]. It nurtures their inventive capacity by letting their imagination run free, which formal activities may not always provide [2].
The ideal approach, therefore, is a balanced schedule that includes both structured extracurricular activities and ample time for free play. While extracurriculars scaffold important skills and social connections, free play nurtures creativity and intrinsic motivation. Parents and caregivers should avoid overloading children and allow flexibility for self-driven exploration, adjusting involvement to the child’s interests and temperament [2][4][5].
An alternative suggestion that was raised in the conversation was to allow children to roam and solve their own problems of boredom in nature. This approach encourages self-discovery and fosters independence, further contributing to a child's holistic development.
The therapist, coach, and curriculum specialist were interviewed to provide insights on what is worthwhile and what is not in terms of extracurricular activities. Their opinions emphasised the importance of a balanced approach, ensuring that children have the opportunity to grow in various aspects of their lives, both within and beyond the classroom.
Engaging in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, or clubs can positively impact a child's health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and fitness-and-exercise by fostering better mental health, higher school engagement, and improved life skills. A balanced schedule with structured extracurricular activities and ample time for free play allows children to explore, develop creativity, and build self-reliance, thus contributing to their holistic growth and well-being.
