Are you looking to get your children involved in after-school activities? Many teens enjoy sports or dance classes, but if your child marches to a different beat, there are other off-the-beaten-path activities they may like. Here are seven of them.
1. Coding
Enroll your teens in a coding class where they’ll learn about sequencing, loops, conditionals, functions, and variables. This skill is becoming increasingly popular, and it can lead to a great career designing computer programs, video games, and animation. Rasmussen University notes that your teens will also develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well in all areas of their lives. If they’d like to learn how to code, they can explore sites like Code Profs that have expert tips and help for troubleshooting specific coding and error messages.
2. Upcycling
This no-cost or low-cost activity will keep teens busy and engaged. Turn scraps of fabric, metal, or plastic into new objects. Make jewelry, trays, decorative pillows, or other items from recycled materials. Upcycling is the perfect after-school activity for creative minds. And your teen’s new creations can be gifted to friends and family members or even sold online!
3. Rock Climbing
Many parks and rec centers now boast a rock climbing wall where people of all ages and skill levels can practice reaching new heights using their hands and feet. This physical activity will teach your teens to face their fears and overcome challenges. It provides a great workout, and the whole family can participate.
4. Self-Defense
Signing up your teenagers for self-defense classes will help build their confidence as they start going places and doing more activities by themselves, without mom and dad present. These classes aren’t just a great outlet to burn off some pent-up energy; they’ll also teach your kids about being aware of their surroundings and staying safe at home and when they’re out and about by themselves.
5. Cooking
Do you have a budding chef at home? Let them experiment in the kitchen and mix ingredients, flavors, and textures. You don’t need to send them to culinary school to learn their craft: cookbooks, cooking shows, and videos are great tools your teen can use to perfect his or her recipes. And as a bonus, you’ll get to enjoy their creations at dinnertime!
6. Solopreneurship
Some teenagers are naturallyentrepreneurial. If yours have started making money dog-walking, pet- or babysitting, tutoring younger kids, or selling their arts and crafts online, help them learn how to start a company and set them up for success. Of course, you’ll also need to help them choose a business structure. Look for one that will protect their personal assets, like an LLC. You can use a top-rated formation service to file the paperwork required for forming an LLC. Once they’ve decided on a company name, have them set up a website and social media accounts to establish an online presence.
You’ll also have to teach them about marketing, whether that’s taking advantage of social media or designing a text logo using free templates to help spread the word. Encourage them to present themselves in a professional way whether it’s online or in person, and prompte that professionalism by opening a separate bank account so they can see their earnings grow.
7. Gardening
Growing your own plants, herbs and vegetables is a very rewarding experience, whatever your age. If you have a backyard, Verywell Family points out that spending time gardening in the sunshine and fresh air will help your teenager both physically and mentally. Working in the garden provides a full body workout as well as a big boost of much-needed vitamin D. And if you don’t have a green space at home, look for a community garden in your area where your teen will be able to plant and harvest their own crops with other like-minded people and make new friends.
Help Them Choose
There are many alternative activities for your kids and teens to participate in after school is out. Bring up various options, and let them pick one or two for themselves. Whether they want to learn something new, like coding; release some energy; start a business for themselves; or just relax after a day of studying, there is something out there for them to enjoy.
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Guest post by Emily Graham,
Image from Unsplash