When choosing extracurricular activities for the child, the parents must take into consideration their benefits for the physical, intellectual and artistic development, talent and ability of the child. First and foremost, they should see if the child likes this activity. The activities are chosen not for parents, but for the child. Each child has at least one latent talent. This can remain undeveloped if the parents do not identify it on time and do not contribute to its development.

Contacted by IPN, psychologist Maria Varlan said that in fact, early childhood represents the most unimportant period in life owing to its consequences for the person’s subsequent development. Each child is unique and this uniqueness is the starting point in all the decisions concerning the child so as to help him develop fully.

The children can be engaged in extracurricular activities from preschool age as, at this age, they are like a sponge ready for new experiences. It is recommended to test more activities so as to identify those that are more suitable for the child, stated Maria Varlan.

The psychologist said the child’s aptitudes can be assessed by monitoring his preferences and behavior, the way in which he establishes relations, communicates and makes friends and depending on the results achieved in different activities. “The parents can help the child know and explore what is there around him – at home, in the park, near other children or adults. This way the parent will see which of the activities are preferred: to draw, to sing, to dismantle, to make puzzles, etc. This will help the parents choose the suitable activities,” she stated.

Maria Varlan also said that the children must be praised for what they do. The kindergarten educator and school teacher also play an important role in identifying the child’s talents. If the interest in the activities in which the child is involved is maintained, his potential should be further developed.

It should be determined how much the child likes a particular activity. “We choose the activities not for parents, but for the child. The parents are often tempted to choose activities for the child through their childhood frustrations – the mother wanted to dance, the father wanted to become an athlete, but could not,” said the specialist.

According to her, balance should be the key feature in determining the extracurricular program of the child. This should be offered a wide range of activities that would not make him tired, but would satisfy his needs of recreation, training and physical, intellectual and artistic development.