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Source: Dru Clarke, 785-532-7686, dclarke@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Kayela Richard, 785-532-1546, media@k-state.edu
Monday, Aug. 29, 2011
JUGGLING ACT: EXPERT SAYS FINDING BALANCE KEY FOR ADOLESCENTS IN AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
MANHATTAN -- How much is too much when it comes to after-school activities for adolescents?
Kansas State University's Dru Clarke, instructor of curriculum and instruction and a former high school teacher, says finding a healthy balance is key.
&1xbet online sports betting ;Students who are too involved in one thing may limit themselves at a young age and not taste other ways to express themselves,&1xbet online sports betting ; Clarke said. &1xbet online sports betting ;They also may not be devoting enough time to studying, which could affect their achievement or grades.&1xbet online sports betting ;
On the other hand, Clarke 1xbet online sports betting not becoming involved can lead to isolation, feelings of rejection and introspection.
&1xbet online sports betting ;Seeking acceptance by a group is natural for adolescents,&1xbet online sports betting ; she said. &1xbet online sports betting ;If they aren't involved in constructive and socially acceptable activities, then they may succumb to peer pressure in a bid to find acceptance, which may lead to gangs and deviant behavior.&1xbet online sports betting ;
Being involved in after-school activities gives adolescents a network of friends they can depend on.
&1xbet online sports betting ;They help improve self-esteem, which helps students feel they can accomplish more -- even in the face of challenges, like struggling academically with a subject,&1xbet online sports betting ; Clarke said.
It's important for parents to give their children a spectrum of activities they can choose to be involved in, Clarke 1xbet online sports betting . The choice of which activities to participate in, though, should be left up to the child.
&1xbet online sports betting ;Parents who try to live their own unfulfilled lives through their children are not doing their kids any favors,&1xbet online sports betting ; she said. &1xbet online sports betting ;Kids should follow their own interests, but they have to be given choices and opportunities to do this.&1xbet online sports betting ;
A tip Clarke gives to parents is to become active themselves, which provides a model for positive types of involvement, she 1xbet online sports betting .
It may be difficult for an adolescent with a dysfunctional home life or low self-esteem to be adequately involved in activities, but adults who take an interest and get involved themselves can give much more than good advice, Clarke 1xbet online sports betting .
&1xbet online sports betting ;Turn off the electricity and find something to do that doesn't require a current of electrons,&1xbet online sports betting ; she said. &1xbet online sports betting ;Kids look up to coaches and other role models.&1xbet online sports betting ;