Engaging extracurricular activities for children, from sports and arts to hobbies and creative pursuits, designed to build confidence, skills, teamwork and creativity.
Research suggests games can offer friendship, mastery and support as well as risks, making context and conversations more important than blanket restrictions. Video games have become a convenient culprit in debates over children’s mental health, but the evidence is more…
A mix of low-preparation indoor games, creative projects and safe outdoor challenges can keep children entertained without turning school closures into screen-filled days. When schools close because of snow, the challenge is rarely finding something to do. The harder task…
A study of more than 5,500 young people found that higher daily step counts were associated with fewer emotional, behavioural and attention difficulties a year later, with the strongest link among those taking at least 12,000 steps. A large study…
From First Orchard to Outfoxed!, the best preschool games are short, hands-on and designed to teach social and problem-solving skills without feeling like lessons. For parents looking to build a game shelf that children will actually use, the best preschool…
A 32-year Australian study found that stronger cardiorespiratory fitness in childhood and adolescence was associated with a lower risk of depression in adulthood, particularly among females. A new study suggests that children and teenagers who are fitter may be less…
As National 4-H Week highlights projects and achievements, local members and leaders say the programme’s most lasting lessons are confidence, resilience, leadership and responsibility. For many families, 4-H still brings to mind fairground stalls, livestock judging, sewing entries and carefully…
From live teacher-led classes to self-paced courses and pastoral support, six online schools offer flexible options for pupils balancing sport, travel and family change. For parents trying to keep a middle schooler on track while juggling sport, travel or family…
Research suggests that carefully managed training, recovery and nutrition can reduce injury risk and help athletes sustain performance across long seasons. Strength and conditioning has become one of the quiet determinants of how long an athlete can stay effective. Spectators…
A review of 11 clinical trials suggests martial arts and aquatic programmes may improve balance, coordination and other gross motor skills in children with autism, although larger studies are needed. More than half of children with autism spectrum disorder may…
Role-play, everyday responsibilities and acts of kindness can give children the practical evidence they need to develop confidence, resilience and respect for others. Helping children build self-esteem is less about praise for its own sake and more about giving them…
AHSAA executive director Paul Agnew says players, coaches, parents and spectators must protect the character-building purpose of interscholastic athletics. High school sport in Alabama is supposed to teach more than tactics, conditioning and how to win. In an opinion essay…
With nearly half of Americans spending less than two hours outdoors each week, a California physician warns that indoor living may be fuelling poor sleep, burnout, brain fog and weight gain. Spending long stretches indoors may be doing more than…
