Parenting Cafe – Conversations and Connections

Extracurricular activities are the things children do outside of school, such as sports, dance, music, drama, coding or clubs. They are not just something extra to squeeze into the week. These activities can play a really important role in a child’s growth, confidence and sense of belonging. The best part is that they don’t have to be intense or competitive to be meaningful. Quite often, it’s the simplest activities that children enjoy the most and gain the most from.

The benefits go far beyond learning a new skill. Extracurricular activities help children build friendships outside their usual circle, learn how to work as part of a team and grow in confidence in a different environment. They also give children something to look forward to each week, which creates a sense of routine and excitement. Even the small wins, like improving a skill or simply turning up regularly, can help children feel proud and more confident in themselves.

Choosing the right activity doesn’t need to feel complicated or overwhelming. A good place to start is with your child’s current interests. What do they naturally lean towards? Sometimes it really is as simple as following what they already enjoy. Other times, an activity can help them develop skills they may need a bit more support with, such as confidence, coordination, teamwork or creativity. The key is to keep it fun and free of pressure. If it starts to feel like a chore or they’re clearly not enjoying it, it may be worth trying something different. Children often know what feels right for them, even if they can’t always put it into words.

Our experience: Netball and Girl Guides

One extracurricular activity our girls really enjoyed last year was netball, so we signed them up again this term. It’s more than just a sport for them. It’s a space where they learn to follow instructions, make new friends, and work with children who aren’t in their class. They also pick up important life skills like communication, respect and fair play, all of which help build confidence and teamwork.

They also attend Girl Guides every week and have been doing so for over two years now. It’s something they genuinely look forward to and has become part of their routine. They work towards earning badges in areas such as first aid, my rights, baking, performing, using their voice, international days and even Christmas traditions. Along the way, they build confidence in speaking up, expressing themselves, leadership and working as a team. They also get the chance to try things they might never have done otherwise. For example, one of our daughters tried ice skating for the first time at a Guides event and absolutely loved it.

Extracurricular activities are not just a way to fill time after school. They can help children grow, build confidence and feel connected to something beyond the classroom. When children enjoy what they’re doing, they’re more likely to stick with it, learn new skills and look forward to the week ahead.

If you’re choosing an activity for your child this year, try to keep things simple and fun. Follow their interests and don’t worry if it takes a few attempts to find the right fit. Sometimes the most valuable thing is simply giving children the chance to explore and discover what they enjoy.

What about your child? What activity did they love last year that you’re planning to continue this year? Share in the comments. I’d love to hear what your children look forward to each week.