Back to School: The Importance of Keeping Kids Active After School

With students back in the classroom, South Florida families are once again settling into their school-year routines and facing an important question: What do children do once the school day ends? For child health experts, those afternoon hours can provide a valuable opportunity to keep kids active, strengthen social skills and complement what they learn during the school day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity throughout childhood and adolescence. After spending much of the day in the classroom, participating in structured activities that incorporate movement, recreation and social interaction can contribute to children’s physical and emotional well-being.

After-school programs can play an important role in creating that healthy routine. In addition to providing a supervised environment while parents finish their workday, these programs can give children opportunities to develop discipline, establish healthy habits, make new friends and learn skills beyond the traditional classroom.

In Homestead, American Ju-Jitsu Center (AJC Family Center) provides an option for families looking to combine physical activity, learning and fun after school. With more than 20 years of service to the community, the center has developed programs for children of different ages and experience levels.

Its after-school program gives students an opportunity to remain active once the school day is over in a structured environment. AJC Family Center also offers children’s and adult self-defense classes, Tiny Tigers Karate for ages 3 to 6, Sport Karate, gymnastics and a variety of fitness programs.

For students interested in taking their athletic skills to another level, AJC Family Center also offers state and national competition opportunities and is home to Homestead’s only karate team competing at the national level.

Beyond exercise, martial arts can help reinforce values and skills that can carry over into the classroom and home, including discipline, perseverance, respect, concentration, teamwork and self-confidence.

As a new school year gets underway, establishing a healthy routine after school can become another important tool in supporting a child’s overall development.

For many families, choosing the right after-school program is about more than finding a place for children to spend the hours between school and home. It is an opportunity to make that time productive, active and meaningful.

After more than two decades working with families in Homestead and surrounding communities, AJC Family Center continues to provide a place where children can stay active, develop new skills, build friendships and strengthen their confidence long after the final school bell rings.

For more information visit ajcfamilycenters.com or call 305-246-2121