Steemit Engagement Challenge / S16/W4 - "Children Vs Extracurricular Activities "

Asalam alikum, I hope evreyone is good. Topic is much needed. I am writing my views and would love to see what others have to share. So will start with my input to the questions

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How can extracurricular activities help children's physical and mental growth?

Extracurricular activities are very important; children must be engaged in these activities which will work in many ways. Firstly, these activities indicate inclination of children and their tendencies. Some children may exhibit tendencies that are not good for them, like they may have an authoritative nature, they may show behavior which is selfish so timely knowing their tendencies parents and teachers can address these issues through counseling.
Secondly engaging in physical activities can not only help children in improving physical health by enhancing their strength and stamina but also inculcating sportsman spirit in them. Acknowledging the fact that they have to play their part well and accept the results whatever they are.

Do today's children like extracurricular activities, or are they forced to participate by their parents?

I think it depends on the priorities of parents. If parents are educated in the real sense then they leave the choice on their children or at least guide them properly about pros and cons of the activities of their choice. Some parents do force children to take up activities but they are unaware of the fact that forcing children can harm children psychologically.
Even if parents do not want their children to be engaged in an activity, the best way is to make the child understand the positive and negative points of an activity that a child wants to do and anticipate result as well to them. With time child will realize that parents were right in their judgment. It will be learning for the children and their trust will develop in advices of the parents.

Is extracurricular activity necessary for children?

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Yes extracurricular activities are very important for children. These activities help in grooming personalities of children and help them understand importance of many qualities which takes life time to know. They get to know importance of time; they know how to maintain balance between different things in their life. They know importance of discipline and team work. And most importantly they know their strengths and weaknesses which will help them greatly in make right choices in their life. If they keep pets it helps them in understanding importance of life that we usually underestimate.

Which are the best extracurricular activities for today's children?

Sports should be a must for all children as sports teach many things to the children besides keeping them physically active, provided they don’t have any medical problem.

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Rest there are many activities but children should be left to choose them. Community services are a very good option, it can teach children how to be a functional unit of society and how to play their part in making society a good place to live.
If children tend to arts and crafts they should be encouraged to make paintings, sketches, and other things of their choice and should be guided in how these things could be used for more constructive outcomes.
With time children should be guided towards earning which will help them know the worth of money and invest their time in useful activities.

I invite @hamzayousafzai, @sohaib, @abehayat and @jasminemary to the contest.