Many children have interests other than sports while other children do not fare well in a competitive setting. The after school program can be a good way for the child to enjoy his or her interests yet still be in a supervised setting. Here are ideas to choose a non-competitive after school program.

Choose a theater-based after school program to if your child would enjoy learning about acting. This type of program may also provide the children with the opportunity to help with making the props. The children work closely together in theater-based programs so this might be a good choice for a child who needs help making friends.

Enroll the child in a dance after school program to encourage physical fitness in a fun environment. There are a variety of programs ranging from ballet to modern dance. This exercise can burn as many calories as some sports and, coupled with a healthy diet, can help an overweight child to become physically fit, walk gracefully, and have fun while learning to dance. Physical activity also releases hormones that enhance happiness.

Choose an art after school program for a child who has physical activity at other times of the week. Some art programs offer drawing, painting, pottery making, ceramics, and other crafts. This is a sedentary program that would not be suitable for a child who wants or needs physical activity after sitting in a classroom all day.

Choose a self-defense program to help a child who is being bullied or has low self-esteem. It is a popular choice among parents. Self-defense is viewed by some people as a sport but it is completely different because there is no pressure to compete and there are emotional benefits for the children as they progress to higher levels. Children who know how to defend themselves walk with a confidence about them that makes it less likely to be bullied.

Choose an educational after school program for a child who is doing poorly in school. The ability to have one-on-one tutoring can help the student in a variety of ways including increased level of understanding, improved grades, improved self-esteem, and improved social interaction with classmates as the child participates more in the classroom. Many of the educational programs also include time on the playground.

Talk with your child about his or her interests to guide you in choosing an appropriate non-competitive after school program. Many children enjoy physical activity but do not want the emotional stress of team sports, especially if the child is overweight.

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