Got Dreams? Why "Extracurricular Activities" Matter for Teens

What does your teen, niece, grandson do for fun? What are her dreams, passions and interests. So many kids today either don’t know or don’t remember what they love to do outside of school.

Given the budget cuts for art, gym and music nationwide, parent and supporting adults’ involvement in discovering and supporting a child’s passions is critical. Want your kid to be passionate? Do these 3 things:

1. Find your passions, talk about them and do them- be a role model

2. Require, yes require your child to involve him or herself in at least one activity outside of school.

3. Notice and describe one thing your kids has done well each day. By describe I mean the following: “Hey hon, I noticed you practiced your dance routine for a long time today. You seem really dedicated these days.” This will land better than, “You’re such an amazing dancer.” (And you might even get a conversation going.)

Watch this video for inspiration

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