October 24, 2023

How to effectively balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities

Explore the best strategies for students to successfully manage their time and stress

Balancing school work and extracurricular activities can be challenging, especially for middle and high school students.

According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center of teenagers between ages 13 and 17, 61% of kids say they feel immense pressure to get good grades and 21% are stressed about being involved in extracurricular activities. [1]

Although it can be difficult, it's essential for a child’s personal and academic development to be successful in their learning environment and participate in enriching after-school activities. That’s why it’s beneficial to teach your child some strategies on effectively finding the right balance between the two. Keep reading to learn some of the best strategies.

#1: Prioritize and set goals

It’s important that your child understands they cannot be and do everything, while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Support them in determining their academic and extracurricular priorities based on what is most important to them and their long-term goals. For example, if they want to be a collegiate-level athlete, they need to prioritize their practices and games in addition to their schoolwork to ensure admittance to their top-choice college or university.

#2: Create a schedule

Once goals are set and priorities are in order, encourage your child to develop a weekly or monthly schedule that includes time for classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities. Depending on their personal preferences, they can input this schedule into their phone’s calendar, an organizational app, or a physical paper planner.

Make sure they are realistic about how much time they can commit to each activity to avoid undue stress and anxiety. It’s also important that they keep track of deadlines and test dates in the schedule as well.

#3: Learn to say no

Encourage your child to learn to decline additional commitments if you're already stretched thin.

Whether it’s another exciting social activity or a new club at school that they could join, it's essential that your child prioritizes their well-being to make time for sleep and relaxation without adding additional commitments to their calendar.

#4: Utilize efficient study habits
Another great way to balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities is to support your child in developing effective study habits to make the most of their time.

Help them learn ways to avoid procrastination and focus on the task at hand. By most effectively studying, they will feel more productive and be rewarded with more time for extracurricular and social activities.

#5: Communicate and offer support

As a parent, one of the best ways you can support your child in finding a balance is being a source of support for them alongside their teachers, counselors, and mentors. You are one of the best people your child can turn to for guidance and support if they are struggling to manage their workload and extracurriculars.

Maintain open communication with them to make sure they come to you with any conflicts or challenges they may face.

#6: Be open to flexibility

Encourage your child to be adaptable and willing to adjust their schedule as needed. Life can be unpredictable, so having some flexibility in their routine can help reduce anxiety when challenges arise.

To conclude

Remind your child that achieving a balance between school work and extracurricular activities is an ongoing process. It may require some trial and error to find what works best for them, but with practice and dedication, they can successfully manage both aspects of their life and thrive academically and personally.

How we provide outstanding experience and academic excellence
At Windermere Preparatory School, we are committed to nurturing each child’s intellectual, emotional, and social growth through "one of a kind" opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum that culminates with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), we provide our K-12 students with next-level fine arts, athletics, and additional enriching extracurricular activities, thanks in part to our collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF as a member of the Nord Anglia global network of international schools.