Calhoun County, AL – Trying to find the right after-school activity for your child can be a daunting task. You want to find an activity that your child will enjoy, and that will also teach them something new. If you’re struggling to find some out-of-the-box opportunities to stretch your children’s imagination and abilities, look no further! Here, the Calhoun Journal presents five after-school activities that will do the trick:
1. Introduce Your Teen to Entrepreneurship
If your teen is interested in business or has always dreamed of owning their own company, introduce them to entrepreneurship! There are plenty of resources available online, such as articles, podcasts, and even YouTube videos, that can teach your teen the basics of starting their own business. Not only will they learn valuable business skills, but they’ll also get a taste of what it’s like to be their own boss.
Many business ideas could fit your teen’s interests. For example, your kid could dropship their favorite products, sell their own crafts, or launch a landscaping service! However, it’s important to remember that to make any money, your teen will need to tackle specific business tasks early on, such as creating a business plan and designating their business as an LLC. Limited liability companies (LLCs) are ideal for new entrepreneurs because they limit their personal liability and offer tax flexibility.
2. Find Different STEM Projects to do at Home
Incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) into your child’s after-school activities is an excellent way to get them excited about learning. There are tons of fun STEM projects you can do at home with everyday items!
One easy project is to build a balloon-powered car. All you need is a balloon, a milk carton, straws, and wheels (you can use recycled bottle caps). Once you have all the materials, have your child decorate their car however they want and then test it out!
Teaching kids about coding is a great way to prepare them for the technological world they will grow up in. By introducing children to coding at an early age, we can help them develop problem solving skills and introduce critical thinking that will benefit them into adulthood. Click here for resources to teach your child coding and troubleshooting skills.
3. Teach Your Child to Blog
Blogging allows kids to express themselves and share their interests with the world. Helping your child start their own blog is easy and can be a lot of fun! First, decide on a platform (such as WordPress or Blogger). Then come up with a list of topics that your child may be interested in writing about. After setting everything up, encourage your child to post regularly and interact with other bloggers on their platform of choice.
4. Do Craft Projects Together
Crafting is not only a fun way to spend some time together, but it’s also a great opportunity for parents and kids to bond over a shared activity. And there are so many different kinds of crafts to choose from! If you’re unsure where to start, try looking up some easy tutorials online or checking out books from the library about crafting for beginners.
You can turn these projects into outdoor adventures, too. Find a nearby area with a high walk score (meaning you can easily walk to many locations) and start walking! Take the time to observe what is around you, and pick up leaves and rocks along the way. You can even do crayon rubbings of interesting textures, plaques, or signs. Just invest in any supplies you need, and let your creativity run wild!
5. Volunteer for Community Organizations Together
Giving back to the community is a rewarding experience for everyone involved. And what better way to instill these values in your children than by volunteering together? Countless organizations would love some extra help, so take some time to research what opportunities are available in your area.
You can even search for organizations focusing on important causes for you and your family. Volunteering not only provides opportunities to make new friends and help those in need; it’s also an incredibly gratifying experience.
Explore with Your Kids
After-school activities are a great way for kids to explore new interests and learn new skills—and they don’t all have to take place inside the classroom! If you’re struggling to find good options, consider introducing your teen to entrepreneurship, finding fun STEM projects like coding to do at home, teaching your child how to blog, doing craft projects together, or volunteering for community organizations as a family. With so many different possibilities available, there’s sure to be an activity that’s perfect for your family!
Stay up to date with community events by checking out the Calhoun County Journal!
Jason Kenner is a writer for OnParent.com
