Extra-curricular activities are fantastic for children in terms of their overall development, health and wellbeing. The good news is there are so many options when it comes to hobbies and extra-curricular clubs. One great option you could consider is tennis lessons. I have teamed up with a gym in Watford to share some of the reasons why you should consider tennis lessons for your child.

 

Tennis is Great for Health and Fitness

 

Anything that requires an element of physical exertion is great for young people because it helps to improve their physical and mental health. As they run around the court, stretching, and swinging, your child will become fitter, leaner, and more flexible. What’s more, when exercising, endorphins are released in the brain that allow for improved mood.

 

Tennis Allows for Socialisation

 

Lots of hobbies are solitary pursuits, such as playing an instrument. Tennis, on the other hand, offers children the chance to meet likeminded people and make friends, which helps support their social skills.

 

Tennis Improves Motor Skills

 

When playing tennis, children are able to practise their hand-eye coordination, as well as strengthening their muscles for greater accuracy. These motor skills are vital for everyday tasks so its important for children to practise using them as much as possible whilst they’re young.

 

Sport Enhances Confidence

 

Children who play sport, such as tennis, are given an opportunity to practise and improve their skills, which helps them to become more confident. Confidence is important for young people because it what allows them to take an optimistic approach on life, try new things and step out of their comfort zone. For instance, they might not have previously felt comfortable engaging in classroom discussions, but with a newfound confidence they might feel more capable of raising their hand and voicing their opinion.

 

Mindfulness is all about focussing on the present moment, accepting one’s thoughts and feelings, as well as any bodily sensations. It’s a type of therapeutic technique to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression that are caused by obtrusive thoughts. With all that said, you might want to consider exploring mindfulness with your child so that they are better able to manage their emotions. Read on for some tips from an independent school in Enfield.

 

Mindful Walks

 

Taking a walk through nature is a great opportunity to practise mindfulness because it’s a very sensory activity. Next time you’re out for a walk with your child, ask them to think about what they can see, hear, feel, smell, or even taste. Share some examples of your own to inspire them, such as the leaves crunching underfoot or the soft breeze on your face. By tuning into the senses within a given moment, your child will feel distracted against anything that might be making them feel stressed or anxious, like school exams or friendship problems.

 

Mindful Bedtime

 

Practising mindfulness at bedtime is a great way to help your child doze off at night. Encourage them to lie down in bed, close their eyes, and consider how each part of their body is feeling, from the top of their head to the tips of their toes. Ask them to work their way up or down, considering how their body feels against the sheets and mattress.

 

Mindful Snacks

 

Mindfulness can be practised when doing the most mundane of things, like eating a snack. Encourage your child to truly embrace the moment by thinking about the texture and flavour of what they’re eating, rather than letting the moment pass by without giving it much thought. The trick is to encourage them to savour each bite.

 

If you are looking for more ideas when it comes to exploring mindfulness with your child, there are lots of apps and information online that you can look into. Just remember to take it slow and practise often until it starts to come naturally to them.

 

There are many reasons why you might want to consider encouraging your child to start a journal. Journaling is great from an academic perspective, but also in terms of one’s health and wellbeing. I have teamed up with an independent boys’ school in London to share some of the benefits of journaling in further detail.

 

Journaling Enhances Literacy Skills

 

As with any skill, practise makes perfect. With that said, if your child writes in a journal every day, they will become better at spelling and grammar, and their vocabulary will likely improve. This is great from an educational point of view as it will help them with their essay writing at school.

 

Journaling is an Outlet for Emotions

 

Children have a lot of complex emotions that they need to work through, and journaling can help them work through these emotions and handle their private thoughts. When it comes to mental health, it’s important to be able to get things off our chests and figure out what triggers us, which is why it’s great for children.

 

Journaling Encourages Self-Reflection

 

When children write in a journal, they are able to reflect on what happened during their day, as well as their thoughts and feelings. Self-reflection is important because it helps us determine what we like and dislike, and what makes us feel calm and content or sparks frustration.

 

Journaling Improves Memory

 

Another great benefit of writing in a journal is that it’s like a little workout for the brain. It can help with memory and cognitive function, which further contributes to improved academic progress.

 

Journaling Sparks Ambition

 

People often find it easier to achieve their goals if these goals are written down and ticked off. Journaling is great for this and can spark ambition, encouraging a child to work towards various goals.