Engaging extracurricular activities for children, from sports and arts to hobbies and creative pursuits, designed to build confidence, skills, teamwork and creativity.
Child success in sports try-outs hinges on more than athletic skill; preparation, attitude, and resilience often play a decisive role. Experts advise parents to create a calm environment and focus on confidence and effort, helping children stand out regardless of…
A comprehensive review of over 54,000 studies reveals that school music education significantly enhances cognition, personal agency, and wellbeing in children and young people, challenging narrow perceptions of its value. Music education can do more than teach children how to…
Growing expenses in youth sports, driven by travel and specialised training, are widening participation gaps and prompting calls for reforms that prioritise access and development over costly competition. Youth sports have become a bigger financial commitment for many American families,…
As youth sports become more commercialised and demanding, Midwestern families grapple with the hidden toll of missed memories and financial strain, revealing broader trends in American parenting and sport culture. For one Midwestern parent, the cost of youth sports was…
Research from Rhode Island indicates that students who engage consistently in arts classes, notably music, tend to have lower rates of chronic absenteeism, highlighting the importance of sustained arts involvement for student attendance and engagement. At Mount Pleasant High School…
A study using nationally representative data highlights how confidence in maths and science influences Black boys’ STEM career aspirations, revealing that standard career exploration approaches may not be effective for all racial groups and emphasising the need for culturally responsive…
A new study suggests that incorporating project-based learning into school PE can significantly enhance pupils’ motivation and self-efficacy, potentially fostering lifelong sport participation among adolescents. A new study in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that project-based learning in physical education can…
A recent survey highlights how economic hardship is denying children in low-income households access to enriching extracurricular activities, deepening educational disparities amid rising prices that strain family budgets. A new survey by Chance for Children has found that about three…
Primary schools in Melbourne are tightening rules on cartwheels and handstands following injury concerns, sparking debate over maintaining active play versus safety precautions, with experts urging practical safety measures over outright bans. Some Melbourne primary schools are tightening rules on…
CityFitness launches a compulsory induction programme for 14- and 15-year-olds across its New Zealand clubs to ensure safe training practices and foster lasting exercise habits amid a surge in teenage gym memberships. CityFitness is introducing a compulsory youth induction programme…
Research reveals that despite the benefits of sports for girls’ confidence and mental well-being, many quit early due to unfavourable environments. Experts stress the importance of inclusive coaching and support networks to retain young female athletes and promote healthier, more…
Child and family psychologist Maria Novikova highlights warning signs of problematic gaming in children, urging parents to establish consistent digital rules and seek help if necessary to prevent long-term impacts on behaviour and wellbeing. Children who lose interest in school,…
