As a mother myself, I do acknowledge the importance of extracurricular activities. When my children were young, I would take them to various activities to try out until we found something they enjoyed.
Extracurricular activities that allow children to discover their interests outside of school can help them develop creativity, teamwork and confidence.
Now, here’s the thing: what if the exam is round the corner? Can they still participate in their extracurricular activities?
I understand that the actual juggling act for parents like us, especially during exams, starts rolling in. We often find ourselves torn between supporting our children’s love for activities like soccer, art club, or music lessons and ensuring they perform well academically.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are some practical steps we can take to help us achieve this delicate balance. So, let’s dive in and find out how to guide our children to flourish academically and personally.
Extracurricular Activities vs Academic
You may wonder what extracurricular activities are and why they matter to our children?
The impact of extracurricular activities on our children’s lives is significant. They contribute significantly to our children’s general growth and development and are not only for pleasure.
While academic growth happens in the classroom, personal growth occurs in the field of play. Our children will gain essential life skills like teamwork, time management, and leadership when they participate in extracurricular activities like athletics, the arts, or clubs. These skills are important as they move into the workforce of the future.
These experiences often help them discover their passions and interests beyond textbooks, essential for building a well-rounded individual. However, it’s equally important to balance academics and extracurriculars. It’s like a seesaw; keeping things steady is problematic if one side is too heavy.
So, please encourage your child to explore and enjoy these activities, but ensure they have enough time for studying. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where academic and personal growth can thrive harmoniously.
Recognising the Challenges During Exam Season
As a teacher and mother, I often feel like I have two jobs. It’s easy to feel like I’m trying to juggle everything during the school year. And trust me, I understand.
So, here’s the deal: as parents, we’re often caught in sticky situations. On the one hand, we worry about being so focused on tests and grades that we might accidentally sideline our kids’ extracurricular activities, hobbies, and overall happiness. But then, there’s that nagging concern about overloading our children with too many extracurricular activities during this crucial time.
Who hasn’t wondered if their children can pull off the balancing act between basketball practice, the school debate team, and taking that Science exam?
As a parent, I’m not the first to say it’s a roller-coaster ride. The battle is real! And finding the right balance to nurture our children’s growth and development? That’s the ultimate battle!
Assessing Your Child’s Interests and Priorities
Let’s start by having open and constructive conversations with your children about their interests and goals.
As you would when your students are speaking in class or your colleagues are speaking in a meeting, pay attention to what they have to say. Be curious, ask them questions, and allow them to tell you their story. You might say, “I noticed you enjoy ballet and painting. Can you tell me what you love about each of these activities?”
Once you understand their interests better, please help your children identify their true passions. Sometimes, they might want to do it all, but guiding them in setting realistic priorities is essential.
For instance, if they have a big exam, suggest allocating more study time while leaving room for their favourite extracurriculars. Striking this balance is akin to finding the correct equation on the chalkboard; it takes a little trial and error but ultimately leads to success.
Creating a Well-Structured Schedule
A well-thought-out schedule is like threading a thread through your child’s life. It’s a roadmap that guides them through their day-to-day academic and social life. Having reasonable expectations is among the most crucial things to do.
For example, if your child has extracurricular practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plan their study sessions around those days, perhaps allocating more time on other evenings.
Time management becomes the golden rule here. Teach your child the art of prioritisation—ensuring they complete their homework and review their study materials efficiently. A schedule that includes set study times after school can be pretty helpful.
Additionally, please help your child embrace organisation, whether using a planner, digital apps, or a good old-fashioned to-do list. These simple strategies can help your child manage their time between school and activities.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Setting realistic goals for your children’s school and other activities is essential. As a mother and teacher, I have firsthand experience with the success that balanced children have. It’s important to emphasise that although we want our children to be successful, they’re still individuals with unique gifts and challenges.
For instance, if your child has always been a B+ student in Science, expecting them to suddenly achieve straight A’s might lead to frustration and stress. Instead, encourage progress and growth by setting achievable academic goals that consider their abilities.
Likewise, in extracurricular activities, remember that not every child will become a prodigy in their chosen field. Be supportive of their interests and passions, but avoid being overly demanding. Allow them to explore and enjoy their activities without undue pressure. This approach fosters a healthier learning environment where your child can genuinely thrive.
Seeking Support and Guidance
It’s important to remember that you are not doing this on your own. I can’t emphasise enough how critical it is that you build relationships with your children’s teachers. Sharing insights about your child’s schedule and commitments can help educators understand their unique situation.
I remember there was once the school exam, and my child’s violin exam dates were near. We couldn’t possibly change the school’s exam date. Still, we discussed with the violin teacher if the exam date could be postponed to slightly later, which we managed to get delayed, and my child was able to focus on his school’s exams first, followed by his violin exam.
Collaboration is key here. You don’t have to manage all alone! Sometimes, teachers can give you tips on managing your children’s time efficiently or setting time limits, creating a more nurturing environment that allows your children to focus on their interests and academic pursuits. It’s like teamwork – when parents and teachers work together, your children will be able to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Recognising Signs of Overcommitment or Stress
When your child is juggling school and other activities, watch out for fatigue and stress symptoms in children who are balancing school and extracurricular activities. Look out for changes in behaviour, fatigue, irritability or a decrease in academic performance.
If you’re seeing these symptoms, it’s time to talk to your child. Please sit down and have a meaningful conversation with your child, whether over dinner or before bed. Stay calm and ask them what they’re feeling, listen carefully, and acknowledge their feelings. Sometimes, just having a conversation can give you insight into what’s causing your children’s stress.
Don’t forget to give them the space to focus on their health and wellness, and don’t be afraid to adjust their daily routine. Remember that it’s all about balancing following your passions and living a stress-free, healthy lifestyle.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Flexibility and adaptability are two of the most important things parents must have in their children’s daily lives. Let’s face it: life is unpredictable.
Sometimes, your children’s after-school activities clash with an important class or unforeseen circumstances arise. It’s okay to shuffle things around when needed.
Children have changing needs and priorities; sometimes, they might need a little extra time for a project or a break to recharge. This flexibility helps them manage their stress and builds their resilience.
One of the most important life skills we can teach our children is dealing with unexpected situations. So, don’t be afraid to adapt your children’s schedule as long as you do it correctly.
Conclusion
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that with careful planning and communication, it is possible to balance school and other activities during this difficult time of the academic year.
Always spend some time discussing with your children what interests them most, what activities they want to take part in or even if they are still interested in the activity that they are participating in at that moment, and ensure they have a learning plan that allows them to learn and play at the same time.
Always keep in mind that a well-rounded approach fosters vital life skills in addition to academic accomplishment. If you ever feel lost or frustrated, ask for assistance and support. Chat with another parent. We’re all in this together, and sharing our experiences and points of view can be immensely beneficial and comforting.
So, keep that conversation going and adapt as your children’s needs change over time – it’s the key to nurturing their holistic growth.
What other tips do you have on balancing extracurricular activities and academic commitments during exam season?