| So, your son's school does not offer any | | | | child is interested. It is not necessary for your |
| extracurricular activities. Youare worried of | | | | child to makefriends with children his own age. A |
| depriving your child of all that extra knowledge | | | | parent-child book club is anotherinteresting option. |
| and fun. | | | | If you can round up a number of like-minded |
| What should you do? | | | | childrenand their parents, you may well start your |
| After school activities need not be taught in a | | | | own after-school program. |
| school-like environment byprofessional teachers in | | | | When there is no organized group activity, look to |
| a structured and timely manner. There is a lot | | | | your community. Manychildren love to get |
| YOU can do to support your child's academic, | | | | involved in social problems. They get their firstreal |
| physical and socialdevelopment. Do not be too | | | | taste of suffering, charity and community help |
| concerned about formal programs, as many of | | | | from such experiences. |
| ourchildren are already over-scheduled. | | | | Volunteering for clean-up sessions, adult education |
| Obviously, school is top priority for children. They | | | | programs etc could bea real eye-opener for your |
| need to go to school,and finish their homework. | | | | child. The lessons thus learnt are invaluable. |
| They should then do their daily reading orwriting | | | | If physical activity or the lack of it is your major |
| work etc. This may take about 30-60 minutes. In | | | | concern, enroll yourchild for some dancing classes. |
| the course of hisdaily work, your child may | | | | If organized sports are impossible to get,try to |
| develop certain academic preferences | | | | enroll her in a gym. She may find friends there |
| andinterests. In that case, you can try and find a | | | | and may take to thetreadmill. |
| program in a college or acommunity center that | | | | Your child does not necessarily have to be a part |
| will help him and encourage him. In the age of the | | | | of an organized group tobenefit from after-school |
| Internet, information is really not a rarity. Allow | | | | activities. There are various avenues open infront |
| him to use the net tofind more information about | | | | of you. Roping in the enthusiasm of your children |
| thing that he likes. Encouraging the child todo | | | | in daily householdactivities like cooking, cleaning etc |
| independent research to gain in-depth knowledge | | | | can also provide them with arefreshing |
| is something that noformal program does. | | | | extracurricular experience. Moreover, it will |
| If you are concerned about the lack of social life, | | | | improve familyties too. |
| enroll him or her in aclub - a reading club maybe. | | | | If anyone like's Tic-Tac-Toe here it is! |
| Visit public libraries or even the theatre,if your | | | | |