BY JULIE YOUNG

Participation in extracurricular activities is an important part of a student’s academic experience. They build confidence, teach discipline, instill a sense of teamwork, improve social skills, and create well-rounded individuals. They also look great on college applications. But how many extracurriculars are too many? 

According to experts, the answer largely depends on the child and their parents. While the fear of missing out can be a powerful motivator, extracurriculars can be costly in terms of time, money,
and logistics, so it’s important to strike a balance. 

Before allowing your child to join an extracurricular activity, do your homework. Find out how much it costs to join, as well as any additional fees that you may incur (uniforms, equipment, travel, etc.) Is there a refund if your child is cut from the team or drops out after a week or two? How much time will you and your child be expected to commit to the activity, and how will that time commitment affect your family life? Sports teams can require 10 to 15 hours per week. Can your child
still get their homework done and get eight hours of sleep? Does your child still have some unstructured “free time?” 

If your child is new to extracurriculars, start with one activity and build slowly so that they are not over-extended. Proactive planning and conscientious communication will help your child get the most out of the extracurricular experience without burning out or breaking down.