Busy kids are happier kids

My daughter recently wondered aloud, “what do kids who don’t play sports do after school?”

This got me thinking about how important it is for young people to be busy.

Most kids will push against structure and expectations, yet they actually crave support and guidance. Sports, after school clubs, jobs, and volunteer work all structure a child’s day, leaving them less time to try maladaptive things like drugs, alcohol or promiscuity.

Most kids will push against structure and expectations, yet they actually crave support and guidance. Sports, after school clubs, jobs, and volunteer work all structure a child’s day, leaving them less time to try maladaptive things like drugs, alcohol or promiscuity.

After school activities also give them more social skills. They continue to learn after school. Let’s face it – school is over by 3pm at latest. Even if your child is doing 2 hours of homework a day (unlikely) they can be free and clear by 5pm. By having less free time, kids learn to manage their time better — a skill we can all use!