Family Service of Central Indiana, Inc
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| Helping Kids Find the Right Balance: School and Extracurricular Activities |
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You must make sure you don't put undue pressure on kids when it comes to extracurricular activities. In fact, it’s okay to say no! Kids can learn early about prioritizing and setting limits on the use of time. Involvement in extracurricular activities can reinforce academics and help kids to learn social skills. Also, research has shown that involvement in extracurricular activities can improve a child's sense of belonging to the school and reduce his chance of failing or even dropping out. At the same time, kids and parents can get too stressed chasing too many activities. Sleep, family time, and academics may get short changed. Tips: Encourage your children to get involved in a club or activity of their choosing. If you push them into an extracurricular activity they don't like, they may wind up resenting the activity and possibly you. Check in on time management. Get together regularly with your children to make sure their involvement in extracurricular activities isn't negatively impacting their academics. Discuss scheduling and time management to be sure they are not overwhelmed. Model and discuss setting limits and making choices. See switching gears as normal. Don't be too upset if your child wants to change activities. It's important to try new things and switching activities is normal. Remember that kids are exploring what works and what doesn't, so give them some room to change. If your child is trying to pull away from an activity, recognize that he may have too much on his plate or be burned out on a particular activity. Be honest about what extracurricular activities cost. Make sure your child understands that extracurricular activities can often add extra costs to the family budget (for uniforms, instruments, and club fees) so that they value your financial commitment. There is also a cost to their time and yours – remember setting limits is okay. Create downtime. It's important for your children and you to have some downtime. Definitions of downtime may vary, so whether you're helping your child complete homework assignments or simply having a relaxing discussion about your child's day, try to have some relaxed, unrushed moments together. |
Tips for families
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Build and Maintain healthy Family Relationships Don't hide your disagreements with your partner from your children. Model how to resolve problems openly. |
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Fees are based on each family's ability to pay. Medicaid and other insurance accepted. Professional Staff
Services are accredited and provided by licensed therapists and counselors. 
