Meet Josh. Josh was a trouble maker in eighth grade. He skipped classes, rarely did homework, and his name was associated with some unpleasant pranks around the school. So when he showed up for play auditions the directors were surprised, to say the least. Turns out, Josh wanted to run the lights and he quickly demonstrated his competence. A couple of weeks into play rehearsals the principal became aware of Josh’s involvement in the play. Since Josh was flirting with academic probation it would have been easy for the principal to forbid Josh’s involvement with the play. But Josh was doing a great job. He was never late for rehearsal; and although he was quiet and focused, he was making new friends with kids in the cast, and everyone was seeing him in a new light. He was a major asset to the play effort, and everyone, the principal included, saw the benefits this experience was having on Josh. Developing competence, feeling appreciation, receiving recognition for a job well done – these are powerful experiences. Today, having successfully graduated from high school, Josh is passionate about doing well in the fire-fighting school he attends, and the twinkle in his eye is irresistible as he talks about his plans for his future.

Sometimes it is the extra-curricular activities in a teenager’s life that provides the fuel for their fire. For parents this isn’t always clear. Writing that big check for dance classes, trumpet rental, or hockey equipment can present a real burden in many families. In some, the tendency is to tie teens’ ability to participate in extra-curricular activities to their academic achievement. You know, the “you have to earn this” attitude. Layer on top the challenges parents face in transporting kids to these activities, and extra-curricular activities may seem not worth it. Big hassle. Big expense. Minimal value when compared to the importance of academic excellence.

Think again.

Not all teenagers thrive in their academic pursuits. Although important, academic achievement is just a part of life, it is not everything. And kids who struggle in school one year may do infinitely better the next. Having opportunities to develop an array of skills and interests that are extra-curricular in nature is crucially important to teens’ development for a range of reasons:

Confidence: Developing new skills helps kids build confidence and self-esteem, which we know can be pretty fragile for teenagers. This is especially important for kids who are not doing well academically. Everyone needs a place in their life where they feel competent and valued.  

Leadership: The social structure is different when in non-classroom activities. Youngsters who may be uncomfortable answering questions in math class may develop and demonstrate important leadership skills in other environments.

Skill building: Extra-curricular activities may give kids the opportunity to develop interests and skills that can turn into a vocation, or provide a source of pleasure throughout their life. The skilled pianist may help put herself through college from her paid gigs at parties; the pleasure from a good game of tennis can last into one’s seventies.

Cognitive development: This is a crucial time in the development of teens’ brains. Research shows that their brains are still developing, and while their brains are not yet “hardwired,” this is an important time in their life to expose them to new opportunities to learn. It’s the “use it or lose it” principle: using new parts of their brain actually helps develop it.

Social: Developing relationships with a different group of kids can be an advantage and an opportunity.  Roles change, and kids can develop new friendships in an environment outside of the classroom. Exposing the talent of a budding artist, the saxophone player who’s a natural, the soccer star – all kids have some skills and interests they can develop that can positively enhance their experiences and their social world.  

Keep ’em busy: The majority of high-risk behavior occurs between 3 p.m. –  7 p.m. on weekdays.

Structuring time: Guidance counselors will tell parents that many a student athlete actually does better academically in season than out of season. For one thing, kids must be fairly well organized to be on a team – or involved in any extra curricular activity - and keep up with the necessary schoolwork. Besides, coaches demand and support scholastic success – it’s pressure for academic performance that parents do not have to apply.

It’s easy for parents to focus entirely on academic achievement. We live in a competitive society and having high expectations of our teenagers helps them reach and grow. But when you examine the big picture, you can see that the skills kids develop outside of the classroom may have an even stronger impact on their development. Try not to tie extra curricular opportunities to academic performance; helping your teenagers develop in non-academic areas and can set them up for exciting, and important, new opportunities for growth.

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