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Original poster

Most beneficial extracurriculars?

52 replies

Zebrabear · 22/02/2024 10:05

I your opinion what were the most beneficial extracurriculars for your dc's (if you have older ones) & what did you feel they gained from them.
I know sheer enjoyment is the most important thing but some as so expensive for little return.
For my three dds swimming has been the most beneficial as it's a life skill.

OP posts:

LaPalmaLlama · 22/02/2024 17:15

MrsMitford3 · 22/02/2024 14:04

My DC are all in their 20's now and DS just admitted he wished he'd have stuck with his piano lessons but there was no telling him at the time. So this is looking back reflectively for me-

Swimming lessons are important to give your DC a life skill. All 3 also loved drama and def all confident talking to ppl and group work etc

DS1 still loves sport-and having just moved in london is joining both a football team and a cricket one. Great to keep active and fun socially and a great ice breaker. He loves being on a team and it is so good for his mental health and gets him outside and moving.

DS2 was good all rounder sports wise and did rugby/football/cricket but when he discovered rowing he gradually gave up the others to focus on it. Still rows as an adult and I think it has given him the most resilience out of all 3DC. You work hard all winter for summer racing so he is def has a very strong work ethic and focus as well as a very healthy lifestyle and great likeminded friends.

DD not as interested in sport but did try her hand at all of them and enjoyed them at the time. She was def less keen on some of the organised things-in ballet she wanted to wear a tutu and twirl not do boring feet and at Cricket she'd rather play with people's dogs so we went with it and didn't make her.
She is def more free spirited and creative and I think so so important to know your child and what suits.

Rowing is probably the ultimate team sport because it's hard to distinguish yourself as an individual - you are good or bad together as a crew- it's virtually impossible to row well yourself when other people are rowing badly. It's quite humbling like that. Plus you have to keep to the rhythm so can't take a little breather if you feel like your lungs will explode. I agree it builds mental strength and a realisation that all bad things end and won't kill you (probably).

purpleme12 · 22/02/2024 17:17

My child does swimming, Cubs/Beavers/Brownies/Guides and Gymnastics.
Honestly I'd be hard pushed to decide between them all.
She benefits from them all

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