Choosing extracurricular pursuits that enrich your child’s mind.
Want to raise a kid who excels at school and beyond? Think outside the classroom. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, extracurricular activities boost kids’ community connections and are linked to better grades and school attendance. Finding the right fit for your child, however, isn’t always easy.
What’s the right age to begin after-school classes? How can families choose activities that enrich their children’s lives without adding pressure, conflict or unrealistic expectations? How and when should parents encourage children to persist, or decide it’s time for a graceful exit? Here is an age-by-age guidance on finding extracurricular pursuits that round out your child’s education without ramping up stress.
EARLY YEARS
Bright Beginnings
Parents shouldn’t rush tots into classes and clubs, says parent educator Tara Egan, founder of Charlotte Parent Coaching. Young children enrolled in high-quality preschools are likely already participating in subjects like art, physical education and music.
This story is from the August 2018 edition of Charlotte Parent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2018 edition of Charlotte Parent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Four fun things to experience with your kids this month
Four fun things to experience with your kids this month
Autism Diet Do's and Don'ts
Autistic individuals often have difficulties with sensory processing issues, sometimes called Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD.
A Cool Girl's Bedroom
WHEN DESIGNER JACY PAINTER KELLY, owner of Jacy Painter Kelly Interiors, took her family to New York City last summer, her 10-year-old daughter Lucy went crazy for the cool urban vibe of their downtown hotel room. It gave Lucy the itch to makeover her own bedroom in their Fort Mill home. She wanted more mature accents like silver wall sconces and velvet pillows, paired with punk rock elements like a graffiti-inspired bed frame and pink neon sign. Luckily her designer mom knew exactly how to tie it all together.
Gearing Up For Kindergarten
If you have a child in prekindergarten, you probably have kindergarten on the brain. Whether you’re planning on sticking with your neighborhood school, applying to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools magnet program, enrolling in a private school or are still undecided, the year before kindergarten is a big one with lots to do along the way. Check out this timeline to help you prepare.
Time Enough At Last
My boys are fascinated by time.
Parents Navigating Technology
Everything you need to know about TikTok
Complementary Health Approaches For Kids
Everywhere we look these days, dietary supplements, home remedies, or mind and body practices claim to be the next best thing to cure ailments and improve wellness.
A Fresh Space For Your Child With Special Needs
For the majority of Americans, the start of a new year means setting new goals and resolutions.
6 Holiday Do's and Don'ts to Keep the Season Jolly
We’ve all learned lessons over the years about how to keep things in perspective during family gatherings and hectic holiday schedules, but I thought I’d share some my wife and I have figured out with our guys.
Last-Minute Holiday Gifts
Ideas to fill gift boxes and bags for all ages