Helping Your Child Succeed in Extracurricular Activities (Without the Stress)

Introduction

Did you know that only half of secondary school children take part in after-school clubs or weekend activities? Getting involved outside the classroom doesn’t just boost confidence – it can shape your child’s future, opening doors to skills, friendships, and opportunities that last a lifetime.

We’ll show how to support your child in stress-free ways and explain why these activities matter.

What Are Extracurricular Activities?

These activities are voluntary clubs or programmes that children can take part in outside of their academic studies. This includes almost anything that sparks curiosity or builds skills, such as creative arts, sports, or educational studies. While learning through these activities isn’t a compulsory part of education, it’s hugely valuable for personal growth as well as impressing future employers or universities.

Types of Extracurriculars

Here are some common examples your child might enjoy:

• Sports – Football, Netball, Tennis, Swimming
• Creative arts – Drama, Dance, Painting, Music Lessons
• Online – Podcasting, Content Creation, Esports
• Clubs and societies – Debate Club, Chess Club, Science Society
• Academic support – Tutoring, Coding Clubs, Language Learning
• Volunteering – Community service, Fundraising, Events Management
• Part-time work or summer jobs – School Library Worker, Student Ambassador, School Newspaper Editor

Getting Started With Extracurricular Pursuits

Not sure where to start when it comes to extracurriculars for your child? Don’t worry, we’ve provided a quick checklist below to get you started:

1. Chat with your child about their interests
2. Explore school clubs and community options available
3. Book a free taster session (if available) or trial a few options
4. Plan a balanced weekly schedule that aligns with your child's other commitments
5. Check in with them after a few weeks and adjust if needed

We’ll go into more detail further down on how you can support your child and their activities without micromanaging them.

What Makes Extracurricular Activities So Valuable?

Research suggests that students who are involved in activities outside of the classroom may have more academic success and career readiness.

Other Benefits:

• Improves self-esteem and overall confidence
• Creates a social network with like-minded individuals
• Better teamwork and leadership abilities
• A stronger CV before their first job
• Highlights valuable skills for university selection
• Physically healthier body (when participating in sports or dance, for example)
• Encourages creativity and outside-the-box thinking

But it’s not just the child who can reap the benefits of extracurriculars.

Less Stress, More Success

It’s also reassuring to know your child is spending time in a safe and structured environment while you may be working long hours. After-school clubs can reduce screen time and steer children away from negative peer pressure. Instead, socialising through after-school opportunities connects them with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and interests.

Hidden Challenges of Extracurriculars

But participating in extracurricular activities is not always easy. The Social Mobility Commission report found that children from the poorest households are three times less likely to engage in these programmes compared with their wealthier peers. Ipsos survey findings back this up further:

“Less than half (45%) of secondary school-aged children living in the areas of highest deprivation are taking part in an out-of-school club or activity. This compares with 65% in the most affluent areas.”

Parents can support their children by leveraging all the resources available to get involved.

Low-Cost Ways to Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities:

• Take advantage of free school clubs/li>
• Research bursaries, scholarships and other financial assistance
• Trial activities before investing in uniforms and long-term fees
• Look for pay-as-you-go options instead of up-front terms
• Tap into community resources, such as libraries and youth centres for free/low-cost options

Finding the Right Balance

For others, the problem isn’t too few activities but too many. Overscheduling activities can be overwhelming. A packed timetable may disrupt schoolwork, cut into family time, and create stress. Encourage your child to choose one or two activities at a time, ensuring they still have time for unstructured play and schoolwork in their schedules.

Supporting Without Micromanaging

Your role as a parent is to encourage, guide, and support your child in their interests without taking over. Letting your child take charge builds responsibility and prepares them for adulthood.

Supporting Your Child Successfully:

• Let them choose activities they are genuinely interested in (not ones you are)
• Help with transport, budgeting and filling out forms
• Praise effort and achievements (not just results) and provide emotional support for any setbacks
• Help your child find balance in their schedule (as discussed above), ensuring they have space for homework, socialising, etc
• Help when needed, but encourage them to manage tasks independently (like packing gear or preparing for events)

Having a more hands-off approach will give your child confidence to manage their programmes while still knowing you are there when needed.

The Long-Term Impact

The benefits of extracurricular activities don’t stop at the school gates. The skills your child develops, from teamwork and leadership to time management and resilience, carry them well into adulthood. Evidence shows that employers are increasingly valuing skills over academic achievements, as they prepare individuals for the world of work.

“Our analysis suggests that formal academic credentials play a relatively minor differentiating role in the UK labour market, as the majority of employers place greater emphasis on ‘job readiness’.”

Employers increasingly look for evidence of these abilities in CVs and interviews, while universities often consider extracurricular involvement when selecting candidates.

Personal Development

More importantly, volunteering, sports, and creative hobbies build confidence and independence. These qualities prepare young people for life’s challenges. It’s more than just keeping your child busy; it gives them a head start on their journey into further education, employment, and beyond.

Conclusion

Getting involved in extracurricular pursuits helps your child thrive, build confidence, and explore their passions – while giving you peace of mind that they’re supported. Encourage curiosity, start small, and watch them develop skills, independence, and friendships that last a lifetime.