Families are spending thousands of dollars on extracurricular activities – so what is the right balance? - video Dailymotion

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Extra-curricular activities provide big benefits for kids but can be a source of anguish for stretched families. Amid cost-of-living challenges, and competing demands, we take a took at how to manage the juggle.

Transcript

00:00After school hours are a scramble in the Gleeson household, trying to find the sweet spot between

00:09homework and three lots of sports training and games.

00:13Like many families, they're spending thousands of dollars on extracurricular activities each

00:18year.

00:19At first it was swimming lessons and there was an instrument and there was tennis and

00:26there was basketball and now we've sort of tried to streamline a bit.

00:30Experts say extracurricular activities can have many benefits.

00:35Better wellbeing outcomes, better relationships with parents, peers and teachers, as well

00:40as better academic performance.

00:43And choosing which activities to prioritise should be led by kids.

00:47Setting a bit of a commitment or a contract with them, let's give this a go for a term.

00:52If we're not enjoying it then we re-evaluate it and we can try something else.

00:56For kids like Ashley Clifford, a rich extracurricular schedule has been crucial.

01:02The 10-year-old has a rare genetic syndrome and takes part in cycling, swimming, basketball

01:08and team sport classes.

01:10We prioritise that over going out to restaurants for lunch and dinner.

01:13We prioritise that over going to the movies.

01:16We prioritise that over holidays and flight costs and accommodation.

01:22All states and territories, with the exception of the ACT, offer vouchers to help cover the

01:27cost of kids' sport.

01:29Most don't subsidise creative and cultural activities.

01:34Experts say the money only goes so far and more must be done to address barriers to participation,

01:40including in regional and remote areas.

01:43Young people in disadvantaged contexts can be up to 30% less likely to engage in these

01:49sorts of activities.

01:51And families who are able to make it work are being reminded to focus on the fun.

Families are spending thousands of dollars on extracurricular activities – so what is the right balance?

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