| Government funding cutbacks have left some | | | | clubs are another possible. Take your child to visit |
| school boards strapped for cash. Unfortunately, | | | | the public library or local theater. Parent-child book |
| when budgets are gone, so are vital school | | | | clubs are also interesting options. Ask around to |
| programs like extra-curricular activities. It's a fact | | | | see if like-minded parents and their children are |
| of life that could leave you worrying whether | | | | interesting in starting a community after-school |
| your child is getting enough activity outside of | | | | reading program. |
| school hours. | | | | After-school programs can be expensive, and |
| After school programs do not necessarily have to | | | | additional academics can often overwhelm children. |
| be taught by professional teachers in a school | | | | If your child is not interested in academics, sports |
| environment. There are so many ways that | | | | or music, turn to your community. Children of all |
| parents can take up where school boards have | | | | ages love to help in any way they can, and every |
| left off. Don't worry about structure or formality; | | | | community is in need of volunteers. Take your |
| most kids are over-scheduled as it is. The key is | | | | child to join in community clean-up projects, to |
| to enhance your child's physical, academic and | | | | help out at a homeless shelter, or visit the elderly. |
| social development, and a relaxed home-based | | | | Choose activities that are suitable to the age and |
| environment is the perfect place to do it. | | | | emotional level of your child. He or she can gain |
| School should be top priority for every child and | | | | invaluable experience and learn lessons they'd |
| every parent. Children need to attend school | | | | never receive in a conventional classroom. |
| regularly, and then fulfill their homework, reading | | | | Childhood obesity is a plague to North American |
| and writing obligations. This may take about 30-60 | | | | children. If a lack of physical activity presents a |
| minutes. After these obligations are met, it's fun | | | | problem in your household, it would be wise to |
| time. The trick is to find interesting and fulfilling | | | | enroll your child in a group sport. Baseball, soccer, |
| programs or activities for your child to take part | | | | hockey, dance lessons, gymnastics.. there are |
| in, whether inside or outside the home. | | | | countless fun ways for your child to get fit. |
| If your child develops certain academic, physical or | | | | Better yet, have your child choose an activity |
| artistic preferences and interests, try to find a | | | | that you can enjoy together, such as swimming, |
| program in a college or a community center that's | | | | cycling or tennis. Join the local Y and attend a |
| interesting, helpful and encouraging. Piano | | | | family gym. Or just go to the park and play a |
| instruction, athletic teams or even pottery lessons | | | | game of tag. You'll both feel better for it. |
| can offer fun and enrichment to your child. | | | | Your child does not necessarily have to be a part |
| The Internet is a wonderful resource of good | | | | of an organized group, or be under an instructor's |
| information. Encourage your child to search online | | | | watch, to benefit from after-school activities. |
| and learn more about the things he or she enjoys. | | | | There are many ways to keep a child physically, |
| Whether it's a love of animals or an interest in | | | | mentally and emotionally active, even after the |
| space exploration, children can research | | | | school bell rings. Having fun and learning after |
| independently and gain more knowledge than any | | | | school can be as simple as helping Dad make |
| formal after-school programs could offer. | | | | dinner, or giving Mom a hand in the garden. |
| If you are concerned that your child needs more | | | | Involving the kids in daily activities can provide |
| peer interaction, look for groups or clubs. Active | | | | them with a refreshing extracurricular experience, |
| kids do well with scouting or 4-H clubs. Reading | | | | and improve your family ties. |