It's estimated that 83 percent of children between 6 and 17 years old - - are involved in some kind of extracurricular activity.
Some kids quit because the lessons get too difficult and they are afraid of not being good enough. Psychologist, Rick VanHaveren said,
"Maybe a fear of failure or maybe they have failed in the past, and that led to embarrassment."
Other kids don't mind the challenge. They quit because they just like to try different activities and then move on. VanHaveren says, "I think if they're reaching some challenges and succeeding or failing and after a while then developing some other interests, I think that's just part of their personality."
Experts say sampling a range of activities allows kids to discover what they really like. But if a child wants to quit before giving something a chance - - parents should push them to stick it out - - but listen and negotiate. VanHaveren says, "Negotiate some goals, the amount of time you might spend on that activity, or things that you might do during that activity that might make it more enjoyable."
