Learning to play an instrument, practicing a sport, doing dance or a language course... Extracurricular activities can be a source of great enthusiasm for boys.
In fact, they allow them to guide and develop other skills and interests outside of the school requirements.
But, if the boys are like "sponges" and learn at an astonishing speed, an excess of complementary occupations can be counterproductive.
This is how the child psychologist
María Laura Lezaeta
warns Clarín
: "It often happens to us that we overextend them to comply with all the activities and duties of the school, generating in some cases that the children are immersed in stressful situations.
"
The specialist claims the importance of free time.
“When children and adolescents are immersed most of the time in activities guided by schedules, spaces and people outside of them, their attention, energy and time are usually focused on the outside, not having the possibility of free time spaces in those who can look inward and dive into experiences that allow them to put their creativity and imagination to the test”, he explains.
It is that, according to Lezaeta, for children it is sometimes important to be able to "surf the waves of boredom" and ask themselves what their interests are, not just obey adults when answering "because I said so" or other impositions .
When children and adolescents must constantly comply with activities guided by schedules, spaces, and external people, they do not work on their capacity for introspection.
(Photo: illustration Shutterstock)
Free time would not only foster a space for reflection for them, but it is beneficial to them on a physical and emotional level because it generates "moments that allow them to discover what they like, what they feel like doing", questions that contribute to developing and consolidate their identity, explains the specialist.
3 benefits of preserving free time in the routine of girls, boys and adolescents
Back to school brought new responsibilities and commitments for the boys.
The priority of the school agenda also represents a good exercise to put into practice time management tools, but without excesses.
Just as we teach discipline and commitment, it is important to promote spaces for recreation and leisure, says Lezaeta.
Photo: illustration Shutterstock)
When referring to adults, the child psychologist recommends that "we not only have to attend to our children's 'school agenda', but also keep in mind that the enormous opportunity to provide spaces and moments of free time so that they can enjoy outdoor activities they want, getting together with friends, having moments with the family to chat.”
Lezaeta describes three benefits for children and adolescents of having free time and "pausing" obligations.
1. In free time, tension and stress are released
Leisure time promotes relaxation in children and adolescents (Photo: illustration Shutterstock)
The specialist highlights leisure time and games are valuable resources to lower stress levels, as they promote experiences of enjoyment, pleasant sensations.
If there were episodes of stress or very demanding school days, these activities are ideal for children and adolescents.
Lezaeta also points out
activities that are carried out without the use of screens
.
Having time to walk, do breathing exercises and relax is a great value that we transmit to the youngest.
2. Recreational activities develop and refine social skills
Playing -just for fun- with others helps develop social skills.
(Photo: illustration Shutterstock)
"Free time allows them
to put into practice the development of socio-emotional skills that are essential for life," says Lezaeta.
to bond with others, such as: sharing personal belongings, listening to the other, resolving conflicts".
In summary, they put into practice social skills that, in the words of the specialist, are essential "for their growth and socio-emotional development."
3. Free time stimulates imagination and creativity
Leisure can be a great opportunity for children to stimulate their imagination and creativity.
(Photo: illustration Shutterstock)
Lezaeta indicates that, especially in the case of adolescents, "with so many programmed activities, they don't have the opportunity to decide what to do, play freely, invent games, think or simply relax."
The child psychologist clarifies that "as responsible adults,
we have to guide them in preventing behaviors or situations
that may expose them to possible risks and transmit limits when their decisions may lead them to risky behaviors."
Now, fulfilling this important role does not have to translate into limiting your chance to have fun and discover yourself.
"When we give them the possibility that they can
take the initiative
on what to do with their free time, they will be able to develop just discover what they like to do."
María Laura Lezaeta, a child psychologist and co-founder of JUEGOlogía, advised. On Instagram, @juegologia.
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