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School is not the only way to keep your children intellectually stimulated and engaged. There are plenty of programs and activities for kids that are not school-related that can provide a sense of accomplishment, build confidence, give them a sense of purpose, and teach them new skills. If you’re looking to promote self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills in your child or just want them to have some good free-wheeling fun, you have plenty of options — Dillon Public Library explores a few below.
Team Sports
Team sports are a great way for your child to build character, leadership skills, and social skills. They can develop skills that will help them in their future careers. It also helps them learn to work with others and develop a sense of community.
And they learn the importance of winning and losing graciously. Sportsmanship is important in all areas of life, and these lessons can be learned through team sports participation.
Book Clubs
The great thing about book clubs for kids is that it encourages reading, which is a lifelong activity. On Book Street notes that reading teaches empathy and compassion, helps children articulate their feelings, and promotes lifelong learning. And book clubs are a great way for kids to learn about different genres of books and get exposed to new authors. It also gives them the opportunity to discuss what they have read with other kids. They also provide an opportunity for children to share their thoughts and opinions on what they have read, which can help them develop their language skills.
Visit Dillon Public Library and see the depth and range of books available to all ages!
Coding
If ever there’s been a time when learning how to code equates to future lucrative job opportunities and job security, it’s now. The IT field continues to grow and flourish, so why not expose your kiddos to this helpful and interesting skill? If they’d like to learn how to code, they can explore the STEM Kits at the library or check out sites with expert tips and help for troubleshooting specific coding and error messages. They can learn more on these sites, and do so at their own pace.
Art
Art is an excellent way to introduce children to new ideas and concepts that they may not have been exposed to. It gives them the opportunity to express themselves and learn about the world around them. Self-expression through art is proven to relieve stress and significantly decrease anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. You can introduce them to different types of art by exposing them to museums, galleries, or other cultural institutions, as well as visiting local artists’ studios or exhibitions. Make it a family activity by getting involved in the process and exploring different types of art together, like painting, drawing, sculpting, or collage.
Starting Their Own Business
A recent study found that kids who start their own businesses are more likely to have higher levels of happiness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.
Parent’s magazine points out that there are many benefits to helping your child start their own business. It will help them develop a sense of independence and responsibility, as well as teach them how to work hard and be creative, manage money better, and be successful. It also helps them develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Starting a business at a young age teaches them about responsibility. And they can learn real-world business practices like structuring their business as an LLC in order to protect any of their personal assets. And it’s something they can even learn how to create themselves with online formation services. What’s more, there are many online guides and resources that can walk you through everything you need to know about learning how to start an LLC.
Volunteering
Volunteering gives your kids the opportunity to learn about new people and cultures, as well as make friends that care about the same things they do. They also learn how to help others, which is a skill that will be useful in their future careers. There are lots of ways kids can volunteer in their community, from volunteering at the library, picking up trash in the park to making care packages for the homeless or creating a fundraiser for a cause they care about, like climate change or pet adoption. They can have a lot of fun while knowing they’re making a difference in a real and tangible way. Some of the most popular types of fundraisers include bake sales, car washes, and lemonade stands.
What’s more, if you live in a walkable area, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Walking is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to get around, so you’ll be able to easily get to and from your volunteering commitments without having to worry about finding a parking spot or dealing with traffic. Plus, walking is good for your health, so you can feel good knowing that you’re getting some exercise while also giving back to your community. When you live in a pedestrian-friendly area, it’s easy to make volunteering a part of your regular routine.
Whether it’s the age-old team sports activity, or book clubs and business ventures, your child’s enrichment doesn’t have to end when the school day does. This includes learning how to code, a lifetime skill. In many ways, that can be the best time to get involved.
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