Why Extracurricular Activities Are a Game-Changer for Kids (and Their Parents!)
September 08, 2025
The answer? A resounding yes!
From boosting confidence to teaching life skills, extracurriculars offer incredible benefits—some of which you may not even realize at first. We recently spoke with a mom who shared her firsthand experience of how extracurriculars have shaped her children’s lives, and trust us, her insights are pure gold. So, grab a coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into why these activities are more than just a way to keep kids busy!
The Big Wins: Social & Emotional Growth
Extracurriculars aren’t just about learning a new skill; they’re about shaping who kids become. According to this experienced mom, the biggest impact has been in socialization and emotional development.
“These skills are difficult to teach as parents, so group activities are really important to us,” she
explains. Whether it's navigating team dynamics, making new friends, or handling emotions in competitive environments, these experiences build a strong foundation for the future. And let’s be real: anything that helps kids learn to process emotions (instead of melting down over losing a board game) is a win.
Testing the Waters: Trying New Interests Without the Commitment
One of the best things about summer camps and short-term programs? Kids can explore new passions without a long-term commitment. “We use summer camps as an opportunity to try out new interests and skills. It exposes them to more than just their dedicated competitive sport.” This is a great strategy for kids (and parents) who want to test the waters before diving into a full-on year-round activity. Because let’s be honest, signing up for an expensive sport only to have your child quit two months in? Not fun.
The Confidence Boost We All Want for Our Kids
Watching your child grow in confidence is one of the best parenting moments, and
extracurriculars play a huge role in that.
“Our kids have confidence and pride in their hard work and unique interests. It’s great seeing
them develop skills and knowledge beyond what we can teach them.”
That moment when they master a new dance move, score a goal, or finally land that tricky
gymnastics trick? Pure magic. And it shows them that effort = results, a lesson that lasts a
lifetime.
Friendships That Go Beyond the Classroom
Extracurriculars are also a fantastic way to build friendships outside of school.
“Sport friends are unique because they go through changes and new emotions together. Unlike school, where friends stay the same for years, teams constantly shift, teaching kids how to maintain meaningful friendships even when they’re no longer teammates.” Learning to adapt, stay connected, and build new friendships? Life skills they’ll carry into adulthood (and let’s be honest, something many adults still struggle with!).
Handling Stress, Disappointment, and Big Emotions
Life isn’t always fair, and extracurriculars teach kids how to handle setbacks with resilience.
“In competitive sports, kids look to their leaders for how to react in tough moments. A good
group of teammates and mentors can make all the difference in helping them navigate
emotions, develop empathy, and support each other.”
Plus, let’s not forget that structured activities provide a healthy outlet for stress. Instead of
stewing over a tough day at school, they can run it off on the field, dance it out in the studio, or
express it through art.
Physical Health: A Major Bonus
Sure, we all want our kids to be active, but extracurriculars go beyond just burning energy.
“In general, these activities have made my kids more aware of their bodies and how they work. They understand the importance of sleep and nutrition because they feel the difference during their activities.” It’s one thing to tell your kids to eat healthy and get enough rest. It’s another thing for them to experience firsthand how it affects their performance. (And hey, if it means fewer arguments over bedtime, we’ll take it.)
Teamwork, Leadership, and Responsibility
If you want your kids to learn responsibility and commitment, extracurriculars are the way to go.
“Our kids started with casual activities, but moving into the competitive side of things has taught
them the importance of being part of a team. They now understand that their decisions impact
more than just themselves.”
From showing up on time to supporting their teammates, these lessons help prepare them for
adulthood. (Because let’s be real—teamwork and commitment are just as important in the
workplace as they are on the field.)
Family Bonding & Making Memories
One of the best unexpected perks? Family bonding!
“Attending games, practices, and events gives us time together outside of our regular routine.
Traveling for competitions, cheering each other on, and celebrating achievements brings us
closer.”
And even if siblings don’t share the same interests, they still support each other’s hard
work—without the competition. Now that’s a win.
Looking Ahead: The Long-Term Impact
So, will all these activities shape kids’ futures?
“I hope my kids remain physically active and that their emotional and social skills serve them in
different environments. Their experience of setting goals and working hard has built a
confidence that I hope stays with them.”
As for career aspirations? “Right now, my kids want to be a dancing baseball player and an
illustrator who teaches dance classes at night. We’ll see where they end up, but for now, their
activities encourage them to do what they love.”
(And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to see a dancing baseball player?!?)
Advice for Other Parents: Just Go For It!
“If your child expresses an interest in something, even if you don’t know much about it, let them
try it. Even a day camp or March Break camp can help them explore something new and build
confidence.”
A great resource? Camps N’ Rec Kids! It’s the perfect way to find unique opportunities for your
child, without the stress of endless Googling.
And if you’re looking for the best type of activity?
“Anything with a team component has been incredibly beneficial for us. Whether it’s dance,
sports, or even theater, being part of a group teaches kids resilience, teamwork, and
confidence.”
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, extracurriculars aren’t just about keeping kids busy—they’re about shaping well-rounded, confident, and resilient humans. Whether your child is a future Olympian or just loves playing for fun, these experiences will stick with them for life. So, parents—keep cheering, keep carpooling, and keep signing them up for the activities they love. It’s all worth it!
Let Us Help
We started Camps N' Rec Kids because, like so many parents, we were tired of juggling tabs, deadlines, and waitlists just to find great programs for our kids. We knew there had to be a simpler way — ONE place where families could easily discover camps, classes, and fun all year long. What began as a passion project for our own families has grown into a resource for ALL parents.
Find your next camp, activity or birthday party idea for your family at Camps N' Rec Kids!
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