Beyond the Norm: Alternative After-School Activities For Kids

As parents, we’re always on the lookout for the best after-school activities for our kids. From
sports and music lessons to dance classes and theater rehearsals, we want our children to have
a well-rounded education and a range of experiences.
But what options are there for those of us who want something different for our kids? If you’re
struggling to find solid after-school activities for your child or you simply want them to have
unique opportunities, you’ll enjoy these ideas from Leslie Campos, founder of WellParents.

Teen Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship not only exposes kids to business principles but teaches invaluable life skills
like communication, problem-solving, time management, and financial responsibility. Encourage
your child to consider a business idea and help them create a budget, marketing plan, and pitch.

Teen entrepreneurship programs — such as the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
(NFTE) — offer comprehensive resources and mentorship to build your child’s entrepreneurial
skills. There’s no end to the types of businesses your teenager could start, including:
● Social media management: Many small businesses need help running their social media
accounts. As a teen who has grown up with social media, they can offer valuable
expertise in this area!
● Customize accessory and apparel design: Design personalized T-shirts, hats, bracelets,
or jewelry for their friends and classmates.
● Tutoring and homework help: They can offer services as a tutor or homework assistant
for younger students or peers who need extra academic support.
● Dog walking and pet sitting: If they love animals, start a business offering pet care
services. They’ll get paid to have fun with their four-legged companions!
● Baking and catering: Bake and sell cakes, cookies, and other treats for parties or bake
sales.
It’s essential that your son or daughter learn basic business practices as they prepare for
entrepreneurship. For instance, they should understand how to write a business plan, make a
budget, build a website, and promote their brand. They can also learn about the LLC age
requirement and how to start an LLC. Encourage them to work with a formation service which
makes the process easy.

Coding

In this day and age, coding is becoming an indispensable skill that yields a wealth of career
opportunities, notes Vue School. It not only teaches logic and problem-solving skills but also
opens doors to a range of high-paying careers. Many after-school coding programs are
available, ranging from online courses to in-person programs that center around languages like
Python, Java, and HTML.
You might look into some of the many websites dedicated solely to helping young minds learn to
code. For example, click here for expert tips that help troubleshoot different coding and error
messages.

Volunteering

The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn explains that getting your child involved in volunteering
can have numerous benefits. For starters, it teaches your child empathy and compassion for
other beings and fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment to a cause. Volunteering can
also help them develop important social and leadership skills as they work with other volunteers
and interact with the public. Try getting your child involved with a volunteer organization, such
as the Catholic Volunteer Network. Your child might be inspired to pursue a career in a related
field, potentially leading to a lifelong passion and purpose!

Real Estate

Encouraging your child to take an interest in real estate can be a valuable educational
experience, providing them with practical knowledge and skills for the future. Start by
suggesting they learn about the basics of mortgages, interest rates, and the different types of
properties available. This foundational knowledge will give them a deeper understanding of how
the real estate market operates.
Additionally, as they delve into the world of property management, exploring online apartment
listings can be particularly enlightening. These listings offer real-world examples of how
properties are marketed, priced, and managed. This hands-on approach not only enhances their
learning but also helps them appreciate the complexities and opportunities within the real estate
sector. By fostering this interest from a young age, you’re equipping your child with valuable
financial literacy and an understanding of a key aspect of the economy.

Starting a Blog

Blogging offers a creative outlet for kids to show their interests and experiences with an online
audience. Encouraging your teen to write about their passions (e.g., sports, fashion, technology,
etc.) can improve their writing skills, spark creativity, and cultivate creative thinking. Blogging
also teaches kids how to use digital tools like WordPress and social media platforms, and it can
potentially lead to future entrepreneurial or writing opportunities.
Finding the right after-school activities is essential to your child’s growth and development. And
while traditional activities are valuable, it’s crucial to explore alternative options to inspire
curiosity, creativity, and a wide range of skills. From entrepreneurship and coding to
volunteering and graphic design, encourage your kid to experiment with activities outside the
norm and find their passions. They very well may discover unique opportunities while
positioning themselves for lifelong success!