After reading a "Room for Debate" called "Forcing Kids to Commit to their Extracurriculars", both debaters who are parents had good opinions wether or not parents should force kids into something they don't want to do. A father, Bruce Feiler, explains that him and his wife let their kids choose from a variety of extracurriculars and let them quit if they want to after a season is over. That's one way to help a child choose if they want to continue the activity because not only are they letting the team down but they are trying it out and seeing if they enjoy it. While a mother, Kj Dell'antonia, says that if her child is giving a tantrum before a game then she would rather much stay at home than trying to force them into something they don't want to attend.
Throughout the debate they both made good points and made an agreement that they are not debating about quitting, but like all parents they are trying to figure out what's best for their child. In my opinion parents shouldn't be able to force their kids into an activity they don't want to do. Some parents might think that it's a good lesson and it help kids have an idea with what they want to do in the future but at a young age they are still trying things out. What are your thoughts on this? Should parents force their kids into an extracurricular activity? If so why?
I believe parents should force their children into extracurricular activities. Having multiple experiences outside of your comfort zone is a good way to grow as a person. The main struggle, like you mentioned, is when the child is not interested in the extracurricular activity. Dell'antonia seems to be okay with children deciding for themselves on what they want to do. However, if you let a child make all of their decisions especially when they based them on personal whim, (considering that they are children so they are often enticed by their own feelings) they will grow up spoiled and not flexible to different environments that are uncomfortable to them. This is why I see Feller's treatment to be better. He is able to give his children a choice for their extracurricular activity, but also make them stick to it for a period of time. This act of force is important. Children can be conscious in their decision when they are forced to stay with their extracurricular activity. This also teaches them discipline if they fall out of interest throughout the experience.
ReplyDeleteAlthough extracurricular activities bring great learning experiences it should never be forced. Forcing anyone to do something will always end in negative effects; at least in my life. I agree that students need to find an activity that they enjoy but I do not believe that it should be forced if they clearly don't enjoy it. As a parent I would encourage children to be involved in school and to spend time outside, but not force them to do something, since it could have negative effects on our relationship and their mental health.
ReplyDeleteParents should not force their children into an extracurricular. They can definitely introduce and encourage their children to engage in other activities outside of school or home, but if their child doesn’t enjoy what they are doing, they shouldn’t be impelled to continue. Not only will coercion damage the relationship between the child and their parents, but it will instigate them into resenting the activity. Forcing a child into extracurricular activities they dislike can make them develop anxiety, depression, or guilt for not being able to fit into their parents’ ideals. Their lack of interest would also affect others who really want to be there.
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