Some of the best lessons we learn are those we have embedded from our moms (and from generations of moms before them!) For example, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

I mentioned in a previous blog that we believe in the absolute benefit of extracurricular activities - to the extent that we even send kids outside for recess when it’s raining! This all stems from our understanding that, for their development, a child’s social life is as important as their academic life. In our experience we have learned that taking part in extracurricular activities delivers:

• Improved brain function

• Concentration abilities

• Time management skills.

Let’s explore this a little more using lessons that Mom taught us.

“Share your toys.”  Whether it is in sports or crafts or drama, we all have to learn how to cooperate and collaborate. While activities in the classroom require some element of this it is especially true when your successful outcomes are predicated on your ability to work effectively with others. In other words, when we learn to share our toys we recognize the worth of our friends, team mates and collaborators. 

“It’s easier to be nice to someone than it is to be mean.” If we always have our head buried in a text book or glued to a computer screen it is easy to become desensitized to the people around us. When we actively engage with others, make eye contact, converse and play we begin to better understand who the people we interact with every day really are! We develop respect for alternative points of view, for different skills and understand that the shy kid we never really knew is actually one heck of a ball player! What Mom really meant here is that we need to learn how to socialize. It’s not necessarily a natural skill. Something we adults need to keep in mind as well.

“Respect yourself and others will respect you.” Academic achievement can certainly help build self-esteem but we also benefit from the joy that comes with new skills development and learning how to welcome the adversity that will accompany mastering our new skills. Building the confidence to feel good about ourselves is a clear indication of our respect for our personal capabilities and by extension, when we achieve this status others will reflect our feelings.

“Failure is a bruise, not a tattoo.” This is all about resilience and there’s no quicker way to learn how to bounce back than by getting knocked down. The puck that just barely eluded while entering the net. The ball that bounced off the rim as the seconds ticked down. The missed move on the chess board that cost a Queen. The forgotten line in our soliloquy. These will all pass and we’ll learn that we can recover quickly from pretty much anything we encounter. And, when we concentrate and focus our talents increase. 

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” What Mom’s telling us here really comes into focus when we’re involved with others in activities. Kid’s learn responsibility, commitment and accountability when they realize that their actions have a direct impact on those around them. If your commit to team mates that you will show up for practice, that you will try your best, that you will support each other - you’re inevitably going to become a fully engaged and responsible person. At the same time you’re learning how to manage your time so that you’re able to fulfill your commitments. 

Education should go beyond the four classroom walls; it should be more than just books. It’s all part of making good people.