How Extracurricular Activities Benefit Children
Do you remember your favourite childhood summertime memories? Perhaps it was spending a week at summer camp. Days by the lake baking in the sun, challenging yourself to take a plunge on the zip line, learning new skills like kayaking. There is something so special about having the time to be outside, relax, and build new friendships that remain long after the last campfire is burned.
At Mom2Mom, we know that providing every child with the opportunity to experience enriching activities outside of school and home is crucial to healthy development.
Research shows that participating in extracurricular activities provides several benefits for kids, such as:
Improvement of mental health and a stronger sense of peer belonging
Higher levels of academic achievement over time
Instrumental in building resilience and self-confidence
Development of critical life skills such as leadership, cooperation, communication, and peer interaction
Development of positive habits such as time management skills, community involvement, and persistence
On the flip side, kids that do not have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities are at a higher risk for developing health issues such as high blood pressure, obesity, and poor mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety.
The past year has been marked by devastating isolation for families living in poverty. Now, more than ever, vulnerable kids and teens need a place where they can be with their friends, explore interests, and just have fun.
“It’s important for communities to think about how they can make activities accessible for all children, ensuring fees aren’t a barrier.”
Our Healthy Happy Children program allows children to participate in activities such as summer camps, sports, art classes, music lessons, and more.
One of the best ways we can support moms like Hannah is to promote the healthy development of her children and remove financial barriers to the extracurricular activities they love.
“I don’t have much support, so if it wasn’t for Mom2Mom, I definitely wouldn’t be able to do as much as I do. Knowing I can count on support from Mom2Mom helps to reduce my stress. ”
“Before the pandemic, my daughter took an art class on Granville Island and absolutely loved it. My son was in swimming lessons. Mom2Mom provided the funding for both. This summer, if it’s safe, I know they would love to do these activities again,” said Hannah.
Together, we can help build a community where children living in poverty are supported to grow into well-rounded, healthy adults. To learn more about Healthy Happy Children and how you can help kids be kids again this summer, please check out Hannah’s story here.
“I want donors to know that they truly do make an impact on moms’ lives. My kids are super happy and thankful to know we have you to rely on.”
- Hannah
Written by Samantha Schumacher
Research for this post retrieved from:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/benefits-extracurricular-activities-kids#2