Description

In this week’s episode, Aniesa explores after-school clubs and how pushing kids to partake in extracurricular activities can cause burnout, stress, and feelings of inadequacy for all involved.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Many parents feel they need to push their children into participating in after-school clubs to help them socialise and prepare them for new experiences. However, this can often cause stress and affect their overall well-being.
• Studies have shown that kids who participate in more than 15 hours of extracurricular activities can have lower grades in school.
• Children need time to relax and play after school. The structure of many after-school clubs leaves little room for free play and relaxation.
• The stress of making time for after-school activities and homework can often cause burnout in children.
• Find clubs that offer trial days, or more relaxed and flexible environments to allow kids to find a balance.

BEST MOMENTS 

“While extracurricular activities can provide really valuable experiences and skills for children, forcing kids to participate can have negative consequences on their overall wellbeing and their general development.”

“Competition is really healthy in moderation, but having the constant pressure to perform at a high level can often lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem in kids, and that’s quite harmful to the younger kids who don’t have the emotional and cognitive skills to handle that pressure.”

CONTACT METHOD

www.instagram.com/aniesabblore/
         
www.instagram.com/sensationalkidstherapyuk/

www.facebook.com/sensationalkidslondon

ABOUT THE HOST

Aniesa completed her degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Stellenbosch, in South Africa. She has since been focusing on pediatrics and sensory processing and integration. She has worked across a range of pediatric fields and has extensive experience in autism, specific learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and emotional regulation. 

Aniesa has one teenage son with autism, and one with sensory difficulties. She herself was diagnosed at a late age as having ADHD and has found that understanding her neurodivergence has led to a greater connection with children and their parents. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.